Knowledge (in the Lord) IS Power

Acronyms and the Word

2011-12-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

(words in bold and italics are mine for descriptive purposes)

Psalm 23 (KJV)

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (F.R.O.G. = Fully Rely on God) (F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him)

2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him)

3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him)

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (NO F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real, we all know the devil is a liar and the father of all lies (John 8:44)) and fear is NOT of God. (2 Timothy 1:7) (F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him)

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him)

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

(F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him)

and last but not least

P.U.S.H. =Pray Until Something Happens

Psalm 86:6 (KJV)

Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) Pray without ceasing.

Luke 18:5 (KJV) Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

I wrote this in obedience to the Lord, I pray that it gives the encouragement it was intended. I pray never ever to give an occasion to stumble.

:-)

All Praise, Honor and Glory to our Lord for He alone is worthy.

God bless.

What would your epitath read?

2011-12-09T20:21:00.000-06:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 says,

1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Recently I attended a funeral of a lady that I didn't know personally. I went as support for another family member. The amazing thing was, by the end of this funeral I felt I had known this woman. The other amazing thing was instead of crying through the service there was a lot of laughter. There were stories shared about how she had made people laugh, made them feel at home, made them feel like she genuinely cared about them. Because she had been going to the same church since she was a young woman, there were 4 different pastors that each spoke about her life and the impact she had on them. This is what got me to thinking. What would people say about me if I died. What would my epitath read?

The Bible says we all have an appointed time to die. If Jesus tarries, we all will die at some point. The Bible is full of stories about wonderful men and women of God who have died. Being a child of God doesn't protect us from the first death (but the way we live our life and serve the Lord does protect us from the second death).

Revelation 2:11
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:14
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.

But this message is about after you die. What would people say about you?

My life isn't my own I try to live everyday for God but it made me wonder, is that what people see? How much different would my epitath read if I wrote my own than what others would write about me?

This is just a thought, but something we should all think about...not death or dying necessarily, but what people see in us or through us while we are living. What will people remember about us? Do people see Jesus in me or do they just see me trying to live a good life? Do they see me walking the walk or only talking the talk? Will they say, "well she was a good woman and I know she believed in God", or will they say, "man, she was blessed by God, I want what she had spiritually". That is my desire, that people see Jesus through me to the point that they want that blessing on their own life. That not I be lifted up but that Jesus be lifted up. My life is not my own, it belongs to Him. I want my every waking moment to be dedicated to Him so that when I enter His presence I can hear Him say,

Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

and I can say:

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

For those whom I leave behind, I want them to say, "she was a faithful servant, she was ready to meet the Lord, ready to share in His Kingdom and that is where "I" want to be". My children, my grandchildren, my family and my friends, there is no greater joy than serving the Lord with your whole heart, soul, mind and body. What you think you have to give up of this world is nothing compared to what He can give you, nothing compared to what He is preparing for you. To some it may seem hard and there is no promise of riches and gold but it has rewards that go far beyond mere earthly treasures. If I should die before Jesus comes I want my epitath to read: Tawana Burgan, A true child of God. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, family member and friend. She may not have been perfect, may not have always done things right but she loved with all she had and she was a faithful trusted servant of the Lord. She loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and body everyday. I met and saw Jesus through her and what He did for her I know He can do for me. I want that. I want Jesus in MY life, I want a personal relationship with Him because I saw hers. She fought a good fight, she finished the course, she kept the faith and I want to see her again in the Kingdom of God. I want to live for Christ, I want to fight the good fight, finish the course, keep the faith.

For myself, even more important than that, I live for the day to hear my Savior say, "enter in thou good and faithful servant". Whether He calls me home or allows me to live til Jesus comes I want those who come in contact with me to see not me but Jesus in me.

Here are a few epitaths from the Bible, both good and bad. These are given for our admonition and for our encouragment.

Dishonorable:

Rehoboam: "14And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD." (2 Chronicles 12:14)

Uzziah: "16But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God". (2 Chronicles 26:16a)

Ahab: "25But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up."

Honorable:

Abel: "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts:" (Hebrews 11:4a)

Enoch: By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5)

Abraham: And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23)

Job: And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (Job 1:8)

What would your epitath read? If it falls under the dishonorable heading and you are still drawing breath, it's not to late to change it. If it is honorable but it's a secret, it's not to late to let the secret out. Let others see Jesus in you, so they not only hear you talk the talk but they see you walk the walk.

God bless.

I AM THAT I AM

2011-12-03T22:30:00.001-06:00

Exodus 3:14

14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

As believers we are called to wayfaring and warfaring struggles. We have to bear our crosses daily and fight a daily fight. But in every hour of need a powerful support is near.

For Moses, the ground was very slippery. His mountains were steep. An enemy opposed every step. Israel kept falling back, grumbling, worshipping idols and other gods. But a staff and a sword were provided for Moses in the name of his guiding and protecting Lord. "I AM THAT I AM." On this He would lean all his burdens, all his cares, and fears, and pains. By this he could scatter kings as dust.

God is still the same, just as mighty, ever near. The feeblest Christian can grasp Him by the hand of faith. And whosoever grasps Him is a tree that is planted by the water and cannot be removed, but abides forever."

"I AM THAT I AM." the voice from the burning bush. The Speaker, from the bush wasn’t hid in a mask of mystery. Isn’t hid from us today. We can’t see Him with physical eyes but we can see Him with spiritual eyes, by faith.

That voice was and is the great Redeemer.

He has established His people on the solid rock. He assures us that all the majesty, all the supremacy, all the glory of His all-mighty Supreme power, are His inherent right.

The limits of our mind can’t even comprehend it.

Our heart can’t completely embrace it.

Words can’t describe it.

Mere mortals can’t reach it?

He is space which has no bounds.

Human lines can’t measure it?

We can’t measure the ocean's depths, so our faculties are too short to measure the immensities of God.

To grasp divine essence requires divine largeness. "I AM THAT I AM" alone can read the volume of that title. Our God is so great?

We need to continually pray for the Spirit to enlighten and teach us more clearly God’s word.

We should be longing for the day when every cloud which veils our God shall brighten into perfect light; and when His people "shall be like Him, for they shall see Him as He is."

"I AM THAT I AM." Here the first sound is eternity. Jesus, as God, He puts on eternity as his robe. He knows no past. He knows no future. He lives unmoved in one unmoving present. He stretches through all the ages which are gone and which are yet to come. He is omnipotent and omnipresent.

Before time was, He is "I AM THAT I AM." When time expires, He still is "I AM THAT I AM."

If His being had just come into existence, His name would be, "I am what I was not."

If His being would end, His name would be, "I am what I shall not be."

But He is, "I AM THAT I AM."

Thus He treads first and last beneath his feet. He sits from eternity to eternity as He who ever was, and ever is, and ever shall be.

Think about Bethlehem's manger. A lowly baby lies in the lowly cradle of a lowly town, the offspring of a lowly (nobody) mother. Look again. That baby is the eternal "I AM." He who never had birth, is born of a woman.

He, who had no beginning, just always was, was contained in a baby’s age and form.

He, who never began to be, as God, here begins to be, as man.

The Lord promised it. Prophets foretold it. An angel announced it. Heaven rings with it. Faith sees it. The redeemed rejoice in it.

But why? Why did He stoop so low as to become man. So that He may save poor wretched sinners such as we are.

He could have saved us all by His will or by His word? He willed, and all things were. He speaks, and all obey. But He had to die, as a man, so that we could live.

To rescue from sin, the Eternal had to take the sinner's place, and bear sin's curse and pay sin's debt, and suffer sin's penalty, and wash out sin's filth, and atone for sin. All that, He did for us!

"I AM THAT I AM" alone could do this. "I AM THAT I AM" alone has done it.

What self-denial, what pure selflessness!

Surely, kings and queens in rags, angels in cells, is nothing compared to God Almighty in the flesh!

A mighty love moved Jesus to despise all shame, and to lie low in misery's lowest mire. Through ages past His "delights were with the sons of men." Prov. 8.31.

He created us in His glory in His image to share eternity WITH HIM. Therefore He humbled Himself to earth, so that we, specks of dust, may rise to immortality. An eternity that will give us time to look upon our Savior's face, to sing without growing tired, hymns of praise, to praise with continuous praises our Savior's name, and to learn with ever-increasing knowledge His worth.

There is another truth to note here, which is especially sweet to our ears. And that is: Jesus cannot change, will not change. He is as constant as He is great. As surely as He ever lives, so surely He ever lives the same. He is the great I AM.

He sits on the great throne of eternal security. The eternal security that can only be reached when we are changed from mortal to immortal, from corruptible to incorruptible.

Change is the defect of the world we live in: for things here are all defective and constantly changing. Perfection reigns above. He is the ultimate perfection.

Our brightest morning often ends in storms. Summer's gives place to winter. The flowers die and wither. The friend who smiled at us, doesn’t smile in friendly welcome. Loss of life is a given. Gardens wither into deserts. Babylons crumble into unsightly ruins. The Bible says, “all is vanity”. Time gives in to decay and death.

"I AM THAT I AM" sits high above all this.

He is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." The unchangeableness of Jesus is the unchangeableness of His attributes. Just a glance at His love and power with spiritual eyes is all we have at this time and must be enough. His love is in, and all around us constantly. It is always in full bloom. The roots are deeply buried in Him; therefore the branches cannot fade.

Hang on to this. Don’t allow Satan to confuse or fill your minds with doubts. Christ loves you, has loved you for all eternity, even before you were in your mother’s womb. He loved you when He took upon Himself your curse. He loved you when He showed you, by the Spirit, His hands and His feet, and whispered to you that you were His. He loves you faithfully while He continually intercedes in your behalf, and scatters blessings on you and your soul. He will love you intensely when He splits the clouds of glory and comes to claim His bride.

To each question—has He loved? Does He love? And will He love? The answer is, "I AM THAT I AM."

Don’t say, if He loves like that, then why am I like this? Why is my journey so hard and why do I have so many trials? You will soon know that your bitterest trials and your worst pains are tokens of His love.

1 Peter 1: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Life is hard but it will make us long for His holy rest.

He shows us our sin sick state so that we will prize His cleansing blood.

He allows us to stumble so that we will cling more closely to His side.

He makes the world a blank that we may seek all comfort in Him.

If He seems to change, it is us that’s changed.

If He hides His face, lifts His hand it is so that we will look towards Him.

If He is silent, it is so we will cry out to Him more loudly.

His word says, “He will never leave us nor forsake us”.

He saves from real hell, while we go through what only seems like hell.

But love fails not.

All His dealings are love. Our eye of faith can see, "I AM THAT I AM."

Power goes hand in hand with love.

It was a mighty voice which said, "Be"—and all things were. It was a mighty hand which framed this wondrous universe. It is a mighty arm which turns the wheel of life. This power still is, and ever will be, what it always has been. No age makes it feeble, and no use exhausts it. This is the Church's rock. This is OUR rock.

The Bible encourages us to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." He can still bid the seas of difficulty to recede. He can cause hurricanes and tempests to cease.

He can make straight the crooked paths of evil. He can level the mountains of high-towering corruption. He can stop the lions-mouth of persecution. He can quench all the scorching flames.

In the face of all Goliaths, He cheers His followers to victory, under the banner of "I AM THAT I AM."

To the sinner, the eternity and unchangeableness of "I AM THAT I AM" make hell to be hell forever. It is not His will that any should perish.

"The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms" Deut. 33:7.

"I AM THAT I AM" will NOT perish, will NOT change. There is no power that can pluck you from His tight-grasping hand, but you can remove yourself. You can let the enemy drag you down.

"I AM THAT I AM" loves you, and you are loved: calls you to follow Him: sanctifies you, and you are sanctified: blesses you, and you are blessed: gives you life, and you live: gives you glory, and you are glorified.

He never changes but we do, we must constantly guard against the enemy. We must keep on the full armor that we can stand in the days ahead.

God is saying to us, just as He told Moses to tell the children of Israel, I AM THAT I AM.

No matter what our trials, tests here on this earth, He is an ever present all knowing redeemer and Savior to KNOW Him is to KNOW life. He loves us with an unimaginable love. We need to know and remember that even that great a love will not save us from the pits of hell if we don’t grasp it, claim it and hang on to it. If we don’t confess our sins daily, claim Him as our Lord and Savior and stay close to Him.

To Get the Right One, Ya Gotta Be the Right One!

2011-11-22T12:53:00.002-06:00

Ten Ways to Love

Listen without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)
Speak without accusing. (James 1:19)
Give without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26)
Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)
Answer without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)
Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)
Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)
Trust without wavering. (Corinthians 13:7)
Forgive without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)
Promise without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)

God has been dealing with me for a while now on posting about relationships. What He has given me has come from direct revelation through Him and experience. More kneeology than theology, although I'm a Pastor, I am a relatively new pastor, however I served in Ladies Ministries for many years and was an advocate for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse as well as Marital abuse victims. (Not all victims are women as I hope you already know).

First let me say and I'm very adamant about this, there is no relationship worth having that does not have God in it. The very first relationship you should have is with God and if you do, then you will let Him direct your paths and make your decisions.

I am going to say something very serious and I know you have heard it before but it bears repeating. God does not put us in unsafe, unhealthy environments, we do that to ourselves. To spell that out, God does not put us in nor does He condone abuse in any way shape or form. First I want to speak to the single folks, if you ARE in an abusive situation - GET OUT! You have no ties, no covenant if you aren't married, run, walk, whatever just do not stay. It DOES NOT get better without the intervention of God and the other person has to truly be seeking God and willing to change for that to happen and it DOES NOT happen over night. If you are married to an abusive person, God did not plan that for you. To single and married alike - God did not sanction a relationship of abuse, not mental, emotional or physical. I had an abusive marriage, I know what I'm talking about now. But for the grace of God, I might still be there. Did I think marrying that person was of God, at the time I did because I didn't have the kind of personal relationship with my Lord that gave Him an avenue to direct my paths. I loved Him, I served Him to the best of my ability and knowledge at that time but I did not truly truly have a relationship with Him. I put myself in that situation, not God. BUT, PRAISE GOD, He brought me out of it and He can and will do the same for you if you let Him.

Now what I want to tell you is about BEING the right person. In today's world it's all about "I", "me" what I want, etc. But that isn't the way it is supposed to be according to God's Word. Let me repeat, in order to get the right one, you have to be the right one. I read something a long time ago that has stuck with me. "A woman's (man's) heart should be so grounded in the Lord that you have to seek God to find her/him." Never, ever get into a relationship thinking you can change someone. What you are doing is setting yourself up for misery. Even if they do change and I'm not saying ppl don't but even if they do it will be a miserable time for you while they are changing.

#1) Seek a true relationship with Jesus Christ. (Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.) There is NO relationship that can stand without God at the center of it.

#2) Quit looking! Let God "bring" into your life the one HE has chosen for you. (2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?) This does not mean just that they believe in God, even the devil believes in God and trembles because of Him. They also need a true relationship with Jesus Christ. Loving God first and foremost.

#3) Make sure they are of God. Keep in mind the devil knows what you are looking for also. (Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?) Just because someone teaches a Sunday School class or sings in a choir or even confesses to be a christian, doesn't necessarily mean their heart is right.

#4) Do they reflect the true biblical love of God, not just hearers of the Word but doers also. (James 1:22

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.) Keep in mind again, even the devil knows God's Word but he doesn't DO IT. Not everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is a christian.

Here is what it takes to BE the right one and this is what you shoud look for IN the right one.

1 Corinthians 13:3-5 (KJV)

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

(The translation for the word charity is LOVE. Love suffereth long, and is KIND; love envieth NOT; love vaunteth NOT itself, is NOT puffed up.) (vaunteth not means not to esteem yourself over others, doesn't build oneself up over others).

You see even Jesus came to serve. He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and yet He served others.

He gave us 2 commandments, which DID NOT do away with the 10 commandments of the old testament but fulfills them.

Matthew 22:37-40 (King James Version)

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment.

39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The first 4 commandments from God are covered in the first commandment of Jesus. The last 6 are covered by the second. In the 10 commandments, the first 4 are honoring God, the other 6 are how to honor others.

If you love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself you have gotten self out of the way and opened yourself up for God to bless you. He knows your heart. Your happiness is already His concern. The Bible says to treat others as we want to be treated. Now while that doesn't mean to be a doormat by any means, it does mean to quit worrying about self and concentrate on serving/helping others and God WILL place those in your life who are of like mind.

When you are wondering if someone is from the Lord or not, look at their fruits. How do they treat others? How do they talk when they are in a group as opposed to one on one? Are they givers or takers? By asking yourself these questions and observing their fruits, you are not judging.

This is how God sees a relationship:

Ephesians 5:24-26 (King James Version)

24Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Now before the men getting to nodding and the women start backing away, lets look at this.

It says let the wives be subject to their own husbands as the church is subject to Jesus. Jesus never asked the church to do anything that was not good and not for their benefit! He never put the church in a compromising position. He NEVER abused the church. He served the church, He built the church up, He LOVED the church and treated it better than Himself.

That is why we (because we the body are the church, not a building) love Him so much and want to serve Him. We love Him because He FIRST loved us. Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it. That is a love that will die for. That love doesn't say, do what I want, do things my way, its my way or else - from either partner - that love says, I love you so much I will do for you. I will do what you ask me to because I love you and I know that you love me and I KNOW you have my health and well being at heart, over your own!!

It's easy to be a wife living according to God's word when you have a husband who also lives according to God's Word. When you both truly study and understand what God is saying. He isn't saying to be a slave to your husand, He isn't saying to be a Dictator over your wife. He is saying, love as Jesus loved the church, He is saying be subject as the church to Jesus.

A three strand cord is not easily broken. God + 2 = 3

You can't have a relationship where one is a christian and one isn't because you are linking light and dark. You can't get into a relationship thinking you will change them or they will change later. What you see when you are dating is pretty much what you will get after marriage just more of it, remember that.

(for singles). Don't be in a hurry. Make sure the person you like, date, get involved with is a Godly person, not just someone who claims to be a christian. Save yourself some years of heartache. Don't worry about being alone forever, God will take care of that. Start right now asking God to bring a Godly person into your life. Pray God's will over your life and your future relationships. (Friends and future spouse.) Let God know you are willing to wait for Him to send the right one along and then DO IT. You won't be sorry. Quit worrying about being alone, quit thinking so much about it and get out and serve God, mix with God's people, let go of this and let God work it out while you work for Him.

From someone who has been in an ungodly/abusive marriage and now has a spouse that she can serve God with I can tell you that I wish someone had written this or told this to me many many years ago.

One last thing, don't settle, don't think, "well they aren't abusive, or they don't stop me from going to church" etc. Remember "fruits".

God bless you, I pray this has helped someone and who knows, there may be a part 2 :-)

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-17T23:12:00.000-05:00

This is the message the Lord gave me to share Sunday morning (Father's Day). I pray it speaks to you. God bless.

CALL NO MAN FATHER -

Today is Father's Day and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the dad's a Happy Father's Day.
You notice I didn't say all the "fathers".
I think this day should be changed to National Dad's day.
May sound crazy but my Bible tells me in...
Matthew 23:9
And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
There is an old saying, "anyone can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy".
I'm going to disprove that.
We have lots of great dads.
I thought my dad was one of the greatest, smartest men that ever walked the earth. He has gone on to be with the Lord but no one to this day can convince me otherwise. He was and always will be daddy to me.
I found a poem for the dad's while surfing the internet:

What Makes a Dad?
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of all ages,
The power of the eagles' flight,
The joy of a morning in Spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, and
The depth of a family need.
Then God combined these qualities.
And when there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it - DAD!
(author unknown) If you know who wrote it, please leave in comments, thanks :)
---------------------------------------
It does take someone special to be a dad, here are just a few things a dad (and granddad) must know:
How to fix everything from a broken toy to a leaky faucet
How to go without lunches so his daughter can have a new dress
How to interview prospective dates without scaring them off
How to scare off prospective dates
How to encourage his child without "pushing" them
How to harden himself so he can discipline through a child's tears
How to hug
How to teach his child to drive
How to hand over the car keys
How to give horsey rides with a sore back
How to teach a child to reach for the stars
When to let go, and when to hold on tight
How to pay for a mortgage and college tuition at the same time

It takes a lot to be a dad and I'm not taking away from the dad's when I say I'm going to disprove that old saying.
Dad's are wonderful and God hand picks them to raise the children they raise.
But when they say anyone can be a Father, I have to disagree.
Let's look at what the Bible says about our Heavenly Father and just what "our" Father does for us.
Matthew 6:26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
and lets not forget
John 3:16
For God (our Father) so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I know the Bible refers to Father's in many verses.
Father's don't provoke your children to wrath.
Honor your Father and your mother, etc.
But it also says call no man Father....
I don't know a "human" who can do the things our Heavenly Father has and is doing.
To me He deserves to be the only one called Father.
He deserves our praise, our worship.
He is Abba, Father.
So this Father's Day, lets celebrate our dads because they are so special to us but let's celebrate first the Father who hears our every prayer, the Father who is there no matter what we have done, who loves us and provides for us. Let's celebrate the Lord.
Happy "dad's" day and God bless you dad's out there for all you do.

Called to Testify

2011-04-10T08:15:00.000-05:00

Our mission today is the same mission given to the disciples and apostles of the Bible. We have been given all the same gifts, we have the same truths they had. We are to share just like they did. If we believe the Bible to be true, then we have to believe the verses that tell us to share the gospel! Our mission is to point people to Jesus. He IS the ONLY hope the world has for salvation. It isn't a secret we are to keep to ourselves. Many people today claim to know Jesus and are headed straight to hell.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10: 9-13
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31
In John 6:35, Jesus says He is the bread of life and that anyone that comes to him will never be hungry again and anyone that believes on Him will never thirst again. These are the messages we are to deliver to the world.
I read a comment that said, "all we are is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread". Jesus is the bread of life.
Just like the blind man in John Chapter 9, all I know is "once I was blind but now I see". That is the story we are to share with the world. We are to bear witness to the world. Sharing what Jesus has done for us.
A witness in a trial is called upon to tell what they have seen and what they know to be true. God is calling His people to tell what they know and what they know to be true! Do you know anything about Jesus? Has God done anything for you through Jesus? If you can answer yes, that is what you are to tell the world.
Do you know God loves you?
Tell the world.
Do you know you are saved?
Tell the world.
Do you KNOW who to tell?
Tell the world.
We have examples all through the Bible - Peter at Pentecost, Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunich, Paul to King Agrippa and the list goes on. All these great witnesses just told what they knew!!
The witness in court has to testify to the judge and jury.
The witness for Jesus is to testify to the world.
But, Jesus breaks it down for us, start close, move out.
Anywhere sinners are found there is a need for the gospel.
Our mission field is anywhere lost people can be found and they can be found everywhere.
We start with family and friends, co-workers and strangers. Anyone we meet, anywhere we go. We are always to be "on mission" for Jesus Christ. Telling a lost and dying world that Jesus saves. Everyone we meet is either a believer or in need of the gospel. Let's tell them about our Savior.
What is really sad is most of us won't talk to anyone outside our comfort zone. We will visit friends and relatives but not go to someone who is lost. We will talk about the news, the latest ball scores, anything but Jesus even sometimes to those closest to us.
If we really believe hell is real, if we really believe people are lost and going to hell without Jesus, if we really believe the gospel is for all men, then why aren't we doing more to get the gospel to them??? Why aren't we out there telling a lost and dying world Jesus saves?
Could it be we don't believe everything we claim to believe? Could it be we are "saved and satisfied? Could it be we have forgotten just what Jesus has done for us? We act like we hae to do this alone but we don't. We have the Power of God on our side. If we are saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, prayed up and cleaned up before God, united in love, heart and purpose then we HAVE the Power of God on our witness, our works and our words. But we have to get our lives in the kind of shape God can bless and use - Amen. We are going to have to get like the early church in Acts 2:42-47, 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
When we do, we will see the Lord pour out His power on our witness to the world. Until we do, we will spin our wheels and accomplish nothing for His glory.
We desperately need God's power on our lives and our church today. We will never enjoy His unction and power until our hearts are right with one another and with Him.
If you have a problem with a brother or sister in Christ and you have not dealt with it biblically, THAT is a hindrance to the power of God being manifested in your life. If you have some secret sin buried in your life, THAT is a hindrance to the Power of God in your life. We need to stop looking at others and deal with out own hearts. When we do and when we get where He would have us to be we can and will enjoy His power on our witness.
I want to ask you - How important is being a witness to you?
What are you willing to change in yoru life so you can be a more effective witness?
What price are you willing to pay for the touch of God on your life?
How long has it been since you told anyone about Jesus?
Remember one day we will give an account of our witness to Jesus (Romans 14:12). The hour is late, the tie to tell the world is now.
Church we have been distracted by the world and the devil from the mission we have been given. We all share this responsibility, not just preachers and teachers. Now is the time to recapture our mission. Now is when we have to get back to it, nothing has changed.
It's time to deal with our own personal issues and it's time to deal with our own sins so that the Power of God might rest on us. It's time we obey His voice. We have enjoyed the blessings, let's share them with others. Time is so short, the day of His return IS at hand.
God bless,
til next time
tawanab
(4-11-11)

A Servants Heart

2011-03-31T11:04:00.000-05:00

Matthew 19:30 (King James Version)

³⁰But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

I read a story about a satellite named Pioneer 10. This little satellite had only an 8 watt transmitter. It was launched in 1972 to photograph Jupiter and its surroundings. By 1995, this small satellite was 6 billion miles from the sun!! 25 years later it transmitted pictures from tht distance back to earth! They called it, "the little satellite that could". Amazing, an 8 watt transmitter is about the equivalent to a night light!! It was not qualified to do what it did. It was only designed to last for 3 years! It was still going strong 25 years later.

Thats the way it is for us when we offer ourselves to serve God. God can work with someone with an 8 watt capability. However, He cannot work with someone who quits!! God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. When we offer ourselves to God as servants, we become servants to all.

Philippians 2:12-14 says, ¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ¹⁴Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

and Mark 10: 44-45 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Now if I was to ask you what you want for your life, I truly do not believe you would say, "I want to be a servant. I want to clean toilets in the church, change dirty diapers in the nursery". If we are honest with ourselves, being a servant is not #1 on our list of priorities. We might say it is but when it comes to doing those things, do we really want to? Generally, we want the better things, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, preaching, etc. We all think we know what God wants us to do but do we truly ask Him or do we only volunteer for what we want to do. Do we say Lord, whatever it is,show me and I'll do it?

When Jesus washed the disciples feet,He wasn't trying to make them feel guilty. He was showing them a servant's heart. Something that would not only change their lives but the lives of all around them. Acts of service are NOT burdens we bear to please a demanding God, they are a path to true joy and significance in this life.

The other side of humility is pride! Pride will destroy us -- being a servant, keeping a servants heart will keep us closer to God. There is no greater sin than pride. Pride is what caused satan's fall, got Adam and Eve kicked out of the garden of Eden, caused Cain to kill his brother Abel. Every sin after has been caused by pride. We don't think of ourselves as prideful. We think of pride as bragging and boasting. But anytime we put ourselves ahead of or above God or others, that is pride. It's a sin we are all guilty of at one time or another. If we look at most of our problems today, they come from pride.

Money problems - Can't say no to self. Need/want more stuff. (Stuff-thats a whole nother sermon lol)

Emotional problems - Focusing on self, self pity.

Children - We've taught them to think about themselves, we made them our focus, our priority in the wrong way so they became their own priority!

Marriage - think about self, what do I want? me, me, me instead of spouse.

Jesus was trying to teach us humility. He was Lord of All, yet He washed His disciples feet!! He didn't have to do that! He didn't have to walk everywhere He went! He didn't HAVE to suffer and die! He served us, now it's us that should be serving Him. How do we do that? By treating others the way Jesus would. There is no great secret to a fuller spiritual life -- it's right there in the Bible, our instruction book. It's called humility. Being a servant, putting others first. Why else would God say, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"?

There are 2 enemies to humility. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us they are selfish ambition and conceit. The secret to humbling ourselves is there also in verse 4. We are to think more of others than we do of ourselves. All through the New Testament that is what Jesus did. He was ridiculed, he was interrupted many times, what He did was not appreciated most times - still, He kept on. He gave until He gave His very life! Amen He was the ultimate example.The disciples learned from Him, the apostles learned from Him, we need to learn from Him. There are basically 2 attitudes: 1) Live by the flesh, provoke one another, or 2) Live by the Spirit - love and serve one another. So how do we become a humble servant? 1) Give up the idea that it's all about me and what I want. Do you really think Jesus wanted to die on the cross, have his flesh ripped open with a whip, wear a crown of thorns? You say, well He was Jesus, it was different for Him. How is that? He became human, He felt all we feel and more. Phil 2:5-8 says He gave up all His rights. 2) Give up the idea that our interests, our wants, our ideas are more important than others.

What are you clinging to today?

What is it in you that makes you think your way is the best, maybe the only way?

Whatever it is, let it go. Empty yourself of it. Follow Christ's example. Become a servant. Begin at home with your wife or husband, (make the bed, do their laundry, put it away), move on to your mom and dad, friends, neighbors, then to your enemies! Yes enemies. Charity/love begins at home but what have you done if you have only loved and served those who love you back? How much will does that take? Be a servant, take your eyes off self, place them on Christ. See Christ in everyone you meet. Feel the peace and freedom you will have when you begin to place others first. Remember though, this is NOT a microwave religion. You can't expect to see results the first time, praise God if you do but most times you won't. The key is perserverance. Keeping on no matter what. If just one who reads this gets this message, God says it will be worth it.

Are you that one? Are you willing to say today - Jesus, I am not above You? I am nothing, nobody without You. I need a servant's heart. I need humility. You are King of Kings, Lord of Lords, yet you humbled yourself for me!!

Will you give Him your all today? Say Lord, forgive me for being prideful, forgive me for always thinking of me.

It's all about You Lord, it's all about You. Make me a servant, use me as You will. Open doors and help me willingly go forth, whether it's cleaning toilets or preaching Your word.

Until next time,

God bless

tawanab

The Safe Choice or The Right Choice

2011-03-30T11:56:00.001-05:00

Not always the same thing.

Joshua 24:15 (King James Version)

¹⁵And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
We make choices every single day, sometimes several times a day. Do we make the right choice? Sometimes yes, maybe a lot of times no. But this one choice, who we will serve will set the course for our entire lives. Not a choice to be taken lightly although many do.
Time really is getting short. We have heard that all our lives but we are living in a time when WE are seeing prophecy fulfilled right now! Now is the time for us to make the "right" choice, although in this world, it isn't the safe choice in the natural. But in the supernatural, it makes the difference between this world being the only one you get and the promise of everlasting life. So in reality it becomes not only the right choice but also the safe choice. It's planning for the future, better than any 401k plan offered in the world today.
In the book of Acts, Stephen had a choice to make. The choice he made was the right choice but it wasn't the safest choice at the time. As we know from reading the Bible, he was stoned to death for choosing Jesus.
Daniel, was thrown into the lion's den for worshipping God. Again, the right choice but not the safe choice (on the surface). However, he knew that God would take care of him either way. Even if the lions ripped him from limb to limb, he knew God was still God! Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo when they were facing the fiery furnace said (paraphrase) that even if they were burned up, God would still be God and they would not serve a false god. In all the cases, they made the right choice but it didn't appear to be the safe choice.
Even Jesus had a choice! Sometimes we forget that. We forget that He was Lord, at anytime He could have said enough! He made a choice. The right choice because what all of the above knew was that not only did it affect their destiny but it affected each one of ours. Their strength gives us strength.
Luke Chapter 9 talks about two men who wanted to follow Jesus - one wanted to go bury his dead, the other wanted to go back and bid his family farewell.They had to make a choice. It wasn't an easy choice, it wasn't a safe choice. Certainly the apostles suffered many things for Jesus, but it was the right choice.
Every choice in life that we make sets in motion a ripple effect, with far reaching consequences. What we choose to do or say in each situation we face impacts our entire lives AND the lives of others whether we believe that or not.

Proverbs 1:22-33 (King James Version)

²²How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

²³Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

²⁴Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

²⁵But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
²⁶I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
²⁷When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
²⁸Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
²⁹For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
³⁰They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
³¹Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
³²For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
³³But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Simply put, we WILL reap what we sow. However, vs 33 says we shall dwell "safely" if we hearken to the Lord! If we choose the wrong path, we will suffer the consequences. If we choose the right way, to follow the Lord, we will reap the rewards and the blessings. He WILL sustain us. So the right choice IS the SAFE choice after all!

That doesn't mean we won't have trials and tribulations but it does mean we don't have to face them alone. It does mean we have a faithful God who will sustain us. We don't have to praise for our trials but we need to praise "through" our trials. Knowing they will only last for a little while.

We have to be sure that the choices we make are the right choices and not just "choices that seem right". Proverbs 14:12 and again in 16:25 says that there is a way that seems right to man but in the end leads to death. That's why it's so important to pray over our choices and then wait upon the Lord. God gives us freedom of choice, He will never force our will.

There are many choices for life, but for eternity, there are only two!

Heaven or hell is a choice for right now, not for later, not for someday but for today. We are not promised our next breath, we are but a vapor. The Bible says there is a time appointed for all of us, only God knows that time.

Choose ye THIS day whom you will serve.

God bless,

til next time

TawanaB
(1st one Dec. 2009)

When God Has Another Plan

2011-03-30T10:42:00.002-05:00

Jeremiah 29:11 (King James Version)

¹¹For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
This translates to: I know the plans I have for you.
God knows us from the beginning to the end, the Bible says He knows the very hairs of our head. So why do we not realize His plans for us are perfect? We seem to think we can do a better job with our own lives. A little bit like our children do us isn't it?
Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." This tells me that I can do "nothing" on my own without the Lord's help. Even when my steps falter and I turn in the other direction, He is STILL with me. PTL!
God's plans for us have always been for us to prosper and flourish. If we aren't it isn't God that is directing us! The Bible says satan goes around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. When we turn away from God's plan for our lives, satan believes he has won. However, we can rest assured that when we are ready to turn back to God, He will be right where we left Him. The other part of that is that He will finish the work He started in you if you will allow Him. You see God will never force our will but His plans DO NOT change. We can remove ourselves from those plans but the minute we come back to God the plans remain the same. He doesn't come up with "another plan" He continues the original plan He had for our life. Then is when you start to realize what a perfect plan it was.
Do you like a hot shower? Most of us do. What happens if you stay in the shower too long? What happens when the water starts to get cold? You can tell it's going to and you can tell if you keep standing under it that it's going to go completely cold. It goes from really hot to completely cold!! That's how some Christians are today! We start out hot, on fire for God, then we stay in the world too long and we start to get lukewarm, if we keep staying in it, soon we are cold. Now I don't know about you but once my water starts getting cold I have to get out. That's just common sense, right? Being a Christian is the same way. It takes a little faith (the size of a grain of mustard seed), and at least a smidgen of common sense. Now if you know what either of those are, you know they are tiny, very tiny. It takes such a small amount to be a Christian, at least in the beginning. Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Common sense is what tells you that if you lie down with dogs, you are going to get fleas! Common sense tells you to get out of the shower (the world) before you get cold! Common sense tells you that you have to be in this world but you don't have to be "of" this world.
Revelation 3:16 says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." If you stay in the ways of the world to long, you will grow first lukewarm, then cold. It really doesn't matter if you are lukewarm or cold, either way you will NOT be walking with God.
Again, God knows the end from the beginning - He knows the plans He has for us. His will be done. His will, His ways are perfect. The fun and happiness that satan offers in this world are only fleeting. He can imitate some of what God gives us but he can't carry through. Here today, gone tomorrow. It was never, ever part of God's plan for any to perish. However, just like satan, many think they are the God of their own lives and they can run it better. Soon they grow cold and it's too late to step out of the shower. You see, satan knows the plans he knows for you also.
Which plans do you choose? God's perfect plan for your life or satan's plan of destruction. If God is speaking to your heart right now, don't let the water grow cold.
God bless,
til next time,
TawanaB
(3-13-11a.m.)

Watch Yo' Mouth

2011-03-27T01:10:00.000-05:00

The Bible says the tongue is sharper than any two-edged sword! I was studying Ephesians and reading Ephesians 4:29-32. I have heard vs 30 quoted a lot by preachers (And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.) Usually referring to sin in general. But when read in context with vs 29, 31 and 32, it reads slightly different than the way I'd always heard it preached!
Ephesians 4:29-31 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
When read in context, it sounds like the words of our mouth are what grieves the Holy Spirit!! A lot of people (preachers) take scripture out of context to fit what they are saying when they need to fit what they are saying to scripture (the Bible changes not!).
We grieve the Holy Spirit when we MISTREAT others or TALK to them in a certain way. Verse 29, says for edifying.
You know what is in the heart does come out of the mouth in ABUNDANCE. If your heart is full of praise and worship, it will come flowing out. If it's full of bitterness and strife that will come flowing out too. You might be thinking well my heart is clear, I don't cuss, I don't gossip, I don't lie, I don't tell dirty jokes, BUT, the Bible says ot of the mouth proceeds blessings and cursings. Have you ever seen someone with a perpetual frown, so much so that it looks frozen in place? If you can't think of one good thing God has done for you, it will put a frown on your face! If you have joy and praise in your heart, you can't help but smile! It will not only come out of your mouth, it will show ON your mouth! Ever notice though, when we are down, there are times we DON'T WANT to be lifted up. People come up smiling and we just want to snap their heads off so they are as miserable as we are. Come on now, we've all been there, right? What's in the heart? Blessings or cursings? What about putting curses on our lives, our children's lives, our spouses lives, our parents or even friends? You know we can even curse or bless our children's children? Any momma's reading this ever said to their child - "someday you are going to have kids just like you" when your children were acting up? How many of us get up in the morning and when our feet hit the floor say, "I can already tell it's going to be a bad day"? Well sure it is NOW, you just spoke it, the devil ran with it and what you said you now have! You get what you asked for. How many of us get up in the morning and say Good morning Lord, or is it good Lord it's morning? Who do you want running with your words? God or satan? If it's God then speak blessings on YOUR LIFE and the lives of others.
How many compliments do you give in a day? To your spouse, children, parents, friends etc. How many compliments or blessings do you give your cranky old neighbor, that person that took your seat at church or worse yet your parking place! How many blessings do you give those thorns in your side that not only stick you but literally rub you the wrong way? Do you speak blessings on those who hurt or irritate you? It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles the temple, its what comes out of the heart. Philippians 2:14-16a says, Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16aHolding forth the word of life; We can speak life, through Jesus! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. and Hebrews 13:15 has this to say, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name." Sacrifice of praise. We are to continually praise, pray, uplift and edify. If we do that we won't have time for cursing, back-biting or inappropriate joking - Amen!
Did you know the Bible is very clear on what we should do and say? Nothing is left out!
2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. That means no off color jokes and jestings! That may sound strange but God knew that a little leads to a lot. Pretty soon you think there's nothing wrong with it and soon it drags you right back out into the world! We are to refrain from anything that is not uplifting and edifying. Giving thanks at all times. We don't have to praise God FOR our storms but we need to praise Him THROUGH them! Give thanks and praise to God at all times, in every circumstance, "for this is pleasing to God". Thsi will NOT grieve the Holy Spirit. Praising and thanking God through our storms will give us a new attitude of gratitude.
To change the mouth, we have to change the heart. We must feed not only the body but our mind and soul. Garbage goes in, garbage comes out. If you take in filth and corruption, you will spew filth and corruption. If you want -- notice I said if you WANT -- God won't force you to do anything. If you want to change your heart, stay in the Word, read it, listen to it, absorb it. Surround yourself with Godly people, like minded people who love the Lord. (I heard an old saying once, "you are the company you keep"). We need to scrutinize what we read, what we watch, who we talk to, spend time with. "let no corrupt communication" get into your ears and into your heart. Guard your heart first then guarding your mouth won't be such a problem. We've all said things and been convicted immediately. It's a choice, just one of many that we must make. If our hearts are clear and we stay in communication with the Lord, the devil will flee. Not listen carefully - if you are a child of God and trying to live acceptable and righteously before the Lord, the devil will try to attack you again. We should rejoice in that also because we are a threat to him, he is NOT a threat to us. When he finds out he isn't getting to you, he will back off. He will come back with a new tactic but again staying in the Word and close to the Lord will keep him at bay. As christians we should be full of praise, belief, understanding, and thankfulness. That is what should flow from our heart and our mouths. Words are powerful -- How we use them reflects our relationship with God. Nothing identifies us more as christians than the ability to watch what we say -- at the same time, nothing can destroy our witness faster nor more permanently!! You can speak blessings every day for 20 years but say one thing wrong and THAT is what people will remember.
When we accept Jesus and ask Him into our hearts, He starts a new work in us. We become new, BUT some things we must WILLFULLY change. Proverbs 4:24 says to avoid all perverse talk, stay away from corrupt speech. That doesn't take much interpretation, it's pretty plain. What we have to remember is the devil can't read our thoughts but he can hear our words. Everything that comes out of our mouth should be uplifting and edifying, not only giving praise to God but uplifting each other. God can't stand gossip, back-biting, lying - if you don't believe that, read through Proverbs! If someone isn't acting the way we think they should or doing things the way WE think they should, it's not our place to judge or COMMENT, it's our place to pray and let God take care of them. We need to pray to remove curses from our lives and the lives of others NOT speak cursings. God wants us to be clean, pure and Holy acceptable. That starts in the heart. He loves us so much, He sent His Son to die for us, He is preparing a place for us. He wrote a whole book of instructions just for us, He left no detail out.
Have you been grieving the Holy Spirit? Have you said something lately you need to repent of? God knows.
Have you spoken curses over your life, or someone else's? Maybe you did and didn't realize it until you read this blog. Maybe you just need to give God some praise. Whatever it is, He's waiting to hear from you. Speak positives over your life. Pray the scriptures, speak the scriptures, watch your life turn around by the words of your mouth.
Until next time,
God bless
tawanab

True Faith

2011-02-12T16:11:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 3:14, For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
True faith is not based on what God has done but on who He is. True faith is knowing that whether we get our way or not, God is faithful and just and will work all things out for our good.
We sometimes treat God like He is Santa Claus, only there to give us our wants and magically everything we ask for we will be given. How many of us have children who at one time or another have asked for things that were not good for them and maybe even potentially hazardous? How many times have we had to say no? Does that mean we are not still their parents? Does that mean we don't love them? No, of course not. If they knew our character as parents, they would know how much it sometimes pains us not to be able to give them everything they ask for.
If we know our God and His true character, then we know that He is going to work things out for our good and He is going to give us those things that line up with His will.
I like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said in Daniel.
Daniel 3:17-18 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
You know what they were saying? Even IF God did not deliver them, He was still God, still their God and they would serve no other. They had true faith! Faith that knew no matter what the outcome, God was (and still is) faithful and would take care of them.
True faith in God must be based on knowing God's character, knowing His will and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that no matter what happens, NO MATTER WHAT, He loves us and will do what is best for us if we walk with Him.
In faith,

Unlocking the Power of Prayer

2010-11-19T14:56:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 11:6, But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
How do we diligently seek Him? Prayer, constant communication.
James 5:16,Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Quite a lot of people believe you can only pray when you are kneeling, either with your head bowed and your hands folded or with your arms outstretched and looking upward (while still on your knees), Screaming out and crying to God to make sure He hears you. Stay with me, don't cut me off because you don't like what I just said and think well she's a flake because you can and do pray like this. I am NOT saying this is not one way to pray, but I am saying this is ONLY one way to pray. There are lots of ways and God hears every single one, whether you are crying out loud, screaming, whispering or having an internal talk with Him in your mind. The key to prayer is diligence, frequency and especially faith! The wonderful thing about God is that you can go to Him anytime, in any situation or circumstance and in any manner that you are able to do at that moment. He doesn't care, all He cares about is that you are talking to Him. Do you know He waits and longs for us to do that? The key ingredient to ANY relationship is communication, how could it be any less with our loving Father, our creator?
What I hope to share with you is some major points to help you increase or possibly have a more "effectual, fervent" prayer life. That is my prayer for you and my leading from the Lord today.
Number 1, you can never be disqualified as a person of prayer so don't let anyone discourage you (including yourself). Don't ever think you can't pray, if you can talk, you can pray. Picture a loving Father who is always available, never ignores you, never rejects you, is never to busy for you and is always waiting for you. Don't allow discouragement over an unanswered prayer to cause you to doubt that God has heard you. If you have received His son Jesus and are praying in His name, (John 16:23, And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.), then God hears you, and something is happening, whether you can see it right at this moment or not. He is on it! Every time you pray, you are advancing God's purpose for you. Our spiritual well-being depends on two kinds of regular prayer. One is our prayer between us and God, the other is enlisting the prayers of other believers, praying for one another. (Matthew 18:19, Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.) We are not in this battle of life alone, God will fight every battle for us, but, we have to call on Him and believe that He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Then we have other soldiers to go to battle with and for us and that is where prayer warriors come in. Never be afraid to ask God for anything (in Jesus name) and never be afraid to ask someone to help you pray. You don't have to tell them even specifically what it is, God knows, they just need to pray in agreement with you. The other thing is seek to know the will of God so you can pray the will of God. James 4:3, (KJV) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. Or more simply put: James 4:3 (NIV) When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. That does not mean that God will not give you things you ask for, but we have to keep in mind that He will not (cannot) give us things that are contrary to His word. If what we are praying and asking for goes against any of the ten commandments (God's laws) then we are praying amiss. If we are praying harm against someone else, we are praying amiss. You might wonder who would do that but unfortunately there are people who do. If something we want would take something away from someone else or cause them distress or harm, we are praying amiss. Sometimes we don't think of the consequences of our prayers on other people. Because of the length of this blog, I am going to continue this later but I would like to leave you with this.
1) Speak to God anytime, anyplace. 2) It is important to have some quality alone time in prayer with God, (just keep in mind, that is NOT the only time you can talk to Him, so talk to Him quietly in your mind anytime, even if it's just to say, I love you!) 3) Don't worry if you feel like you are or can only pray for yourself right then, praying for others will come, God knows your heart and feels your pain. I don't want to reduce prayer to a routine, repetitive prayer or formula but here are a few suggestions to include in your prayer time: 1) Tell Him how much you love Him, He never gets tired of hearing it, just like we don't get tired of hearing it. 2) Thank Him for everything He has done for you, if you are particularly thankful for something, mention that specifically. 3) Admit your dependence on Him, that you are powerless without Him and that you need His strength to make it through your situations. 4) Confess anything you feel you have done wrong, if nothing comes to mind at that particular moment, just simply ask Him to forgive you where you may have sinned against Him and/or others. 5) Ask Him for forgiveness for others and express your own forgiveness for harms or wrongs you feel others have done. 6) Tell Him everything that is on your heart and mind, release it all to Him, good, bad, ugly, everything. He is the One that you can trust with your inner most feelings and secrets and He won't go tell anyone. 7) Give Him all your requests, all your needs, all your desires. 8) Wait for Him to speak to your Heart, this requires allowing Him a little quiet time to speak to you also. 9) Praise Him for His being in your life and everything He is and does. Tell Him over and over how much you love Him if that is what your heart is feeling. 10) You don't need fancy words, or eloquent speeches. God knows your heart, He knows how you talk, how you think. Be yourself, come to His throne humbly and with meekness, with an attitude of gratitude. I've gone to Him at times when I didn't even feel like praying and my faith was weak and said, "Father, I love you but I can't feel You. I want to pray but nothing is coming, help me, lead me, guide me, comfort me and hold me until I get through this. Don't let go of me." You know what? He did!!! Praise God. My relationship and walk with Him is the most important thing in my life and there have been times when I wasn't even sure I could believe He would answer my prayers but those times I asked Him to hang on to me because I knew it would pass. Those were my lowest valleys, we all have them, we are not alone. He is with us. What does it say in Psalms 23?, "yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me", translators say this can also mean our darkest valley. We have nothing to fear, we serve a powerful God who is fully capable to meet our every need, our every desire. We only have to have faith the grain of a mustard seed, look at one sometime, see just how tiny it is. Don't put limits on God and don't put limits on yourself and your communication with Him. Constant, fervent prayer is simply put - constant communication. Talk to Him like He is your parent, your best friend, your partner and standing right beside you, because He is.
In another blog I will list some reasons to pray (as if any of us need those, lol) and also an easy way to remember who to pray for. If these help you praise God, if you already know them, praise God.
In love,
Til next time
God bless

God's Ways are NOT Our Ways

2010-11-16T13:27:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
How true that is! Of one thing I am certain, God cannot lie! When He said in Jeremiah 29:11, (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11, (KJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
One thing is definite, He is for us not against us and He is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. I have come from court this morning from a divorce that I did not want but I came out with the outlook that God has plans for me, plans that I might prosper and that through Him I do have hope for the future. I truly have cast all my cares on Him because I know He cares for me and I am truly thankful to have Him as the author of my life. Without Him I am nothing. As my tears fell this morning, I was surrounded by others God has placed in my life that truly care and I saw His blessings. Then I got home and the first thing I saw on facebook is this note that I am sharing below. I love the way God works in and around and through me and others and the way He shares confirmation with me in the smallest of ways. I love you Lord! You ARE worthy to be praised!
Enjoy this and I hope it gives you who read it comfort as it did me. It is written by Sarah Misch and her page is Sisters in Christ (Women's fellowship). I pray she doesn't mind me sharing and I give her and God full credit as well as thanks for uplifting me in a very trying time.
GOD HEARS (by Sarah Misch) If you have facebook you should be able to click the title and read the actual note.

God Hears

by Sisters In Christ (Women's Fellowship) on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 11:39am

I know there is times when we wonder if He is listening. I think many times we know the scriptures in our head, but it hasn't got to our hearts yet. Or, maybe sometimes we know He hears, but wonder what will come of our prayers, our cries, our tears. Am I, this one insignificant person in the grand scheme of this universe, going to be important enough for God to not only hear but also act? Will I get an answer, will I see a miracle when so many are far worse off than me? I wonder how often everyday around this world these thought are spoken in people's hearts.

Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

God not only hears and sees your cries, but He keeps records of your heartbreaks and collects your tears. That is a love beyond my imagination. We can not limit God in His abilities based on our human understanding of things. He is fully capable of loving each and every person on this earth with the greatness and fullness of His love.

Isaiah 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!

Psalm 91:15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

I'm so excited I could break into laughter right now. God already knows before you asked Him! He already answered before you started praying! He already has went ahead of you to start working it all out! In Psalm it didn't say He might answer, it said He "will" answer. Lets fully understand the last part of that scripture though. He didn't say He would not ever let you go through troubled times. He said He'd be there. Right there with you, and what is He doing there - rescuing and honoring. He's going ahead of you, leading you through it all (if you will listen), and when it is over you are honored. You will have been strengthened in spirit, emotionally, and physically.

God does hear, and He does answer. You just have to trust Him, wait and listen. What we must remember though is to make sure what we are asking for is in accordance to His will. His will is shown throughout the scriptures. In reading them you will know how to pray.

1 John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.

John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.

God bless you, sisters.

Sarah Misch

Thank you Sarah, thank you God and thank you all who have lifted me up in prayer and love.
God bless
tawanab

Forgiveness Is God's Business

2010-10-25T23:22:00.000-05:00

I wrote this as a note in facebook because of some posts I had seen that were negative about other people but I decided to write it in my blog because the Lord nudged me :) I hope it speaks to your heart as you read. I also hope its one of those times you can say amen and not oh me! God bless.

If you have something against someone or something to say to someone, say it to their face, not their facebook.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:25

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23

In these last days satan knows he must step up his plan to destroy our lives, he is pulling out all the stops and using every means he can because he knows he is losing, he knows his days are numbered and prophecy is soon going to be fulfilled. The Bible says son will turn against father and daughter against mother, division is coming. Choose you this day whom you will serve. Do you serve a master that feeds you lies and deceit or one that offers the promise of a life everlasting. If you buy into satan's lies and deceptions no matter how small they might be you have made a choice.

If you say to yourself or to anyone, I cannot forgive or I will not forgive that person for what they have done, you are putting yourself in the position of God and very close to blasphemy. Forgiveness is God's right, forgiveness is God's business. If we cannot forgive others, how is our Father in Heaven going to forgive us. Remember the parable of the master and servant, the master forgave the debt his servant owed but then that servant went right out and had another jailed for money he owed him.

I'm not perfect and don't claim to be but I know that someday I will have to stand before God and answer for every deed and every word, even idle ones. Every night when I ask for forgiveness I also ask God to forgive those who have hurt or wronged me because I do not want anyone to suffer for things they have done and especially not to me.

So in this note to whoever reads it, if I have wronged you or even if you "think" I have wronged you, I am asking you to forgive me and I want it known that I do not hold anything against anyone. For anyone in my life that has ever wronged me or that I "thought" did, I forgive them. I would hate to go to my final resting place in the twinkling of an eye and think I had left any unfinished business. Life is to short to hold grudges. God intends for us to know joy and peace, it was never His intention for anyone to be lost. We can't be perfect but we can strive daily to live as God instructs us in His word. Jesus with His last few breaths said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do"... (Luke 23:34) If Jesus can forgive us for the sin we have committed that sent Him to that old rugged cross to die, who are we to withhold forgiveness from anyone. Have we given our lives for their sins?

Pray with me...

Father, I love you today, I want to do what is right in Your eyes. Forgive me for my sins whether known or unknown, help me to start again to try and serve You and do what is pleasing to You. If anyone holds anything against me today, whether real or a misunderstanding, Lord help them to find it in their heart to forgive me. Father if there is anyone that I am holding animosity or unforgiveness towards, help me today to let it go, to cleanse my heart so that I may be healed. Forgive those who have wronged me, sinned against me, and those I believe have wronged me. I do not want anyone to stand before Your judgement seat for something they have done to me. I want my mind and my heart to be clear when I myself stand before you. I ask this in your Son's precious and Holy name. Amen

Are You Guilty?

2010-10-08T02:10:00.000-05:00

Not to long ago I heard one of those little one liners that I really liked and it stuck with me, it also got me to thinking about my personal walk with Jesus and my relationship with Him. It read: If they arrested you for being a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Wow, that's cutting to the heart of the matter isn't it.
So I started thinking, does my fruit show evidence that I am a faithful follower of Christ? When others are asked about me, what would they say? People know how much I love my kids and grandkids, but do they truly know how much I love the Lord? Is my walk consistent with my talk? Of course I would like to think so but the proof is in my works. What am I doing for the Kingdom of God? Everything I have read lately, all the preaching I've heard, the one consistent theme has been, "it's all about God", it's His will not mine.
He created us for a purpose, are we fulfilling that purpose?
Do I/we truly have faith in all things concerning Jesus?
James 2: 17-26 17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The Bible says: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
So many promises in the Bible and yet, what do we do for Him? He has not required us to be imprisoned, beheaded, beaten.... yet we grumble at what He has asked us to do which is spread the gospel, love our neighbor as ourselves. Honor Him.
A dear friend has a blog that explains it so much better than I can. If you pop over and read it, I'm sure he would be happy and you won't be sorry. Here's his link: http://serious-things.com/evidence-of-our-wellspring/
I will leave you with this one question: "If you were arrested for being a follower of Jesus, WOULD there be enough evidence to convict you?"
God bless
tawanab

Do You Really Want to Do That???

2010-10-07T23:38:00.000-05:00

The devil would ask you: Do you really want to serve God? Do you really want to pray? Do you really want to read the Bible? What good does any of that do you? Where is God when you are having financial troubles? Where is God when your children are sick? Where was God when your husband or wife walked out on you? Where was God when you lost your job?

Then the devil will tell you: I can give you all the desires of your heart. You don't have to pray to me, just don't pray to God. You don't have to read anything. I can give you riches beyond your wildest dreams. I can keep your children from getting sick. I can bring that husband/wife back to you. I can get you a new job. Just don't follow God.

Now you have a decision to make.

You don't necessarily say to the devil, "yes, I'll join you, or no I won't". However, if you do nothing, if you say nothing, you have joined his side. If you don't pray, if you don't read the Bible, you have decided who you will follow. You have to remember, he doesn't have the power of God. He can't really do all the things he would have you believe. Today is the day to make the right choice. Serving God isn't always easy but the rewards are far greater than just physical comfort and His rewards extend into eternity.

The next time the devil tries to tell you lies just remember he has no power, no authority except what you give him. If he keeps after you just remind him of his future.

God bless

tawanab

Is He Your Lamb?

2010-09-12T01:11:00.003-05:00

I went to an awesome revival tonight and am still so overcome with the emotions and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that I have to share. I know many were saved tonight and the young people were filling the altars. The Holy Spirit took over and the Evangelist never got around to preaching. Tonight was for everyone but the Lord was leading through the young people. Here's what happened:
One of the teenagers asked the evangelist if he could give his testimony. This surprised and delighted the evangelist so he gave the young man a microphone, this was his story in his words.
"My name is Caleb and I'm a PK (preacher's kid). I am 13 years old and I've been in church my whole life. I've led Sunday School for younger children, worked with our youth ministry, sang with my mom and dad, whatever needed doing in the church that I was big enough to do I've done. I had always believed that I was saved from as early as I can remember maybe as far back as 2 years old. Two years ago, when I was 11, we had a revival at our church, and I had heard a little of what the evangelist was preaching and I liked it and wanted to hear more but I had to keep the younger kids so I couldn't so the next night I asked if I could attend services and my parents let me. The evangelist was preaching about Jesus being the Lamb. He started pointing around the room asking people to raise their hands if Jesus was "their Lamb". I was all set to raise my hand when the time came he pointed to me. Then he pointed at me and asked, "is Jesus your Lamb?" Immediately I heard this very clear voice say, "no Caleb, I'm not your Lamb, you have never accepted me". I was talking in my mind and I said, "God don't tell me that, it can't be true". Again the voice said, "I am not your Lamb, you've never accepted me." I said, "God is that really you?" Knowing in my mind it was. All of a sudden I could feel the fiery pits of hell and I knew that it was true. (At this point he began crying while trying to tell his story). He said, "I ran to the altar, I couldn't wait to truly give my life to God because I realized that all my life I had been living a lie. I had pretended to know Jesus but hadn't known Him at all. I realized that I was living on my parents salvation and I couldn't do it anymore. That night I truly gave my life to God and when I got up from the altar I could say with all my heart, "yes Jesus, you are my lamb". I couldn't wait to tell people what I had experienced. Before I didn't want to say anything I thought people would think I was weird, even though I was a preacher's kid, but after that night I wanted to tell everyone. "
He couldn't get through the rest of his testimony because he was crying so hard, but so was everyone else in the church. The Evangelist's son started preaching and asked them to play a video they had shown at the beginning of service. The video showed a man in a hospital bed, the caption said "Hell is a choice", it told that when you die someone will be there to get you, either angels or demons. You could hear on the video what sounded like demons coming closer to the man, the man opened his eyes and started screaming, "no get away from me, why are you burning me alive, don't take me" and the video ended. It moved everyone in the church but especially the young people and especially my 11 year old grandson, who, like Caleb has professed to know Jesus but until tonight was living a lie. He went to the altar and gave his life completely to God tonight. Hell became real for him tonight as it did many others young and old alike. The altars were filled, not just once but 4 different times as people were moved by the Holy Spirit and by the prompting of the Lord. That's a move of the Holy Spirit. That is what it's all about. Not just doing lip service, not just coming to church because it's the right thing to do. We can't live on our parents salvation, our preacher's salvation, our spouses salvation. We have a choice to make. Hell is real. The Lamb (Jesus) is real. What is your choice, Heaven or Hell.
Is He your Lamb?
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
God bless
tawanab

Sticks and Stones

2010-07-29T02:50:00.001-05:00

Psalm 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Do you ever find yourself weighed down by what others say or have said about you? Who isn't? Even the strongest among us can be disheartened by an accusation or a careless word. It can come from anywhere, a loved one, a co-worker, even a total stranger. Ever been cut off in traffic only to be cursed at or improperly gestured at as if YOU were the problem. Ever let that set the course for your whole day?
"I am wonderfully made, beautifully designed, magnificently engineered, created by God, strong and powerful! I am built Lord tough!"

Satan is good at what he does, after all he's had thousands of years to practice. He knows just what it takes to try and steal our joy!! The first thing he wants to do is break our spirit, do something to cause us to take our eyes off God even if only for a moment, so he can kick us while we are down.
The next time satan uses someone to bring you down, remember what God says about you. Keep in mind that being human you are going to make mistakes, you might get angry, you might get down but don't let careless hurtful words or deeds destroy your joy. Remember your joy, (and strength) comes from the Lord-NOT people. Remember you are wonderfully and fearfully made. You were created in God's image.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Romans 15:13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.

Remember the old children's line: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

We all know unfortunately, words can hurt but they don't have to. If we keep our focus on God and remember that no matter what satan may bring against us, no matter what people say about us, no matter what lies are told on us, we are "more than conquerors". We are wonderfully created, a chosen people, God's beloved. What people say only matters if we react or respond...

Romans 8:38-39

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
The next time someone hurts you with words, look up and thank God that it was you and some one else was spared :) Nothing can take the sting out of someone like thanking God for them anyway, blessing them, praying for them.

Luke 6:28

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which spitefully use you.

And remember, this is how very much God loves you:

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
God loves us so much He sent Jesus, that means we are very special to Him so no matter what lies satan tells us we have the word of God to stand on and God Himself to comfort us along with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Man does not give us our joy, let's not let careless words or deeds steal it away.
A dear friend and sister in Christ posted this on my comments in facebook and feel like it just confirms what God gave me above so I want to share it with you all. (God bless you Sis. Cathy for listening and obeying the Lord and being such a wonderful sister and friend in Jesus).
Cathy P: I might have done what you said I did, but I am not who you say I am! I am still on the potters' wheel being molded and shaped in His image.And I have God's grace and mercy when ever I reach out and ask. If we could only forgive ourselves as GOD has already forgiven us, cast our misgivings into the lake of fire. It is our doing to keep digging up the past. Put away the shovel and move on. Be proud of who you are in Jesus.God bless.
His servant
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Lord help My Unbelief

2010-07-22T01:29:00.000-05:00

We need to live by God's promises just as Abraham did. Have you ever thought truly how much faith Abraham had in God? Many believe Abraham was distraught when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. My Bible tells me something different!

Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Abraham already had God's promise that he would multiply him through Isaac. How could that be if he were dead? Abraham knew God could not lie and that He had a purpose. He went willingly, read what he told Isaac:

Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Some say he didn't want to tell Isaac the truth about what he was doing but he actually was telling him the truth! He knew what God promised him, all that was required of Abraham was to be obedient. In Genesis 22:4, he goes on to tell the men that were with them to stay back while he and Isaac went ahead and worshipped and "come again to you". He knew. How did he know? Because he had faith in God's promises. God's will will not take you where His grace cannot keep you!

"O ye of little faith". How many times do we miss God's blessings because we are not obedient? How many times do we miss the answer to our prayers because we give up to soon? How many times do we not listen to what the Lord is saying because we are afraid? The Bible tells us Abraham was a man of great faith and you can see by this one account that he was. God did not break any of His promises to Abraham. He will not break His promises to us. We don't even have to have the faith of Abraham, He said if we had the faith of a grain of mustard seed.

Matthew 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

What are God's promises to us? Read what Jesus said in Mark 11:22-24

22“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Phillipians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The list goes on and on and every promise God will keep but more importantly than providing our needs, He also made these promises.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1 John 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
If you belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, then you are a beloved child of God. You are His heir forever entitled to all His riches and therefore ALL God's promises are for you, (me), all of us.
All it takes is faith the size of a grain of mustard seed. Lord, help my unbelief.
His servant,
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Trust and Obey

2010-07-15T17:24:00.002-05:00

I will be the first to tell you, I have some serious trust issues. At my age, until recently I was like a child with trust, very naive. I have always looked for the good in people and even when they hurt me I would make excuses for them. Something I must have done, or said, or they are having a bad day, or they just don't understand etc. etc. You get the idea. In the past few months someone I trusted with my life has left a hurt and distrust in me that even God in His Supremecy has had trouble dealing with me over. And deal with me He has, just like any Father trying to get a point across to their children. Word after word from His word beginning with:
Micah 7:5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Psalms 40:4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Then He spoke to me. My child I give you the people you need in your life, not so that you will take your eyes and your trust off of me but so that you will learn to trust me more. Do not lean on your own understanding of who you can trust. Look around you and fellowship with those "I" have given you. Save your inner most secrets and thoughts for you and I. I already know, I know from your waking up until your going to sleep, what you think, what you do, what you need. Trust me, put all your faith in me, I will never leave or forsake you, I will never let you down. Listen to me when I speak to you in that still small voice, I will give you direction if you just hear me.
Again I have to say, God is so awesome. I am praying it through, part of the reason I was so hurt was my own fault. I let talking to that one become more important than talking to God. (Not the first time or only one I have done this with I might add, sometimes takes me a couple of knocks to learn a lesson lol) God is faithful, He waited patiently and He used this situation to turn me around to show me truly how much more He can be trusted. I will become more trusting of others again, but now I know that God, sticks closer than a brother, and all my secrets, feelings etc. are safe with Him. I let Him lead me in decisions, I know I will not let anyone else become more important than Him and when He nudges me and tells me I'm about to tell to much to a particular person, I will listen because He has done it before and I plowed right on and trusted them anyway. He is helping me to learn balance and in the meantime He is giving me comfort and others to let me talk through this pain with as long as I remember, He comes first. I'm not saying I will never trust anyone again, but I will be more aware of "who" I trust with "what". We are all human and all fall short, sometimes without meaning to.
God bless all
His servant
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Sometimes He Calms the Storm

2010-07-15T14:25:00.001-05:00

More confirmation, I enjoyed this so much I had to look up the lyrics, If I knew how to place sound clips I would list it, I will have to learn to do that. In the meantime enjoy reading and listen to what you are reading :)
I don't know who sings it so if you know, please feel free to leave it in the comments.

SOMETIMES HE CALMS THE STORM
Troubled waters came my way
The angry storms grew near
I prayed for God to speak the word, to make it disappear.
It seemed the waves would not obey the master's call for peace
But then the Lord spoke to my soul, reminded me he had control
And said this time , his word was meant for me.
CHORUS;
Sometimes he calms the storm , sometimes he calms me
Sometimes the storm still rages on but i feel the sweetest peace
It's such a joy to know , that my Lord knows just what i need ....
Sometimes he calms the storm sometimes he calms me.
Circumstance may overtake, and bring me to my knees
But when i feel i cannot cope with this life's troubled seas
I call on him who's voice can still much greater storms than these
His words bring peace into my soul when he says child I'm in control and with one touch he calms the storm in me."

My Sacrifice

2010-07-15T14:24:00.000-05:00

I had (past tense) been having what I considered bad days because it seemed like my prayers weren't getting through and nothing was going right, we've all those days right? When talking to God I would have to ask Him to forgive my unbelief because even though I believe nothing is impossible with Him, I was doubting that some of the things I asked for were of His will. Anyway, I was down and the depression was worsening. I attended a revival and the pastor kept speaking "Lord make a way where there is no way". That got through to my Spirit inspite of my fleshly depression! All week he kept saying that. Sunday morning our Pastor was preaching and He says, "Lord, make a way where there is no way". That evening we had a visiting Pastor, during prayer he said, (you guessed it), "Lord, make a way where there is no way". I thought okay Lord I hear you, You can make a way where I can't possibly see one! Even in my depression when I am battling to get out of it, You can lift it because I'm letting circumstances dictate my life. Lord, in my mind, in my heart, make a way where there is no way. I commit this lie from the devil to You. The change was amazing. Immediately it lifted, immediately my Spirit was rejoicing. I have an excitement that I can't explain, I just know something good is going to happen, I can barely sit still it is so strong. Two days later, to make sure I am paying attention, my daily message from, (you can subscribe here if you like), "What the Lord Is Saying" a prophetic/inspirational email that I receive, said this yesterday:

July 14, 2010. So you had a bad day. This doesn't mean you will have another one today. Remembering what made it bad gives impetus to having the beginning of good days, beginning today. Don't rehearse what went wrong. Start thinking of things you will do to make it right, and do them. When things go a little bad that is your sign to turn it around the next time. You have seen at times before when you asked for wisdom and I poured it out when you needed it. Do the same thing again. This will stop the downward spin. Don't dwell on the bad. Fix your mind on Me and My goodness.
Romans 12:1-2 (MSG) "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. ² Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Bev Robinson

Do I think He is talking to me, most definitely! In this email both her and her husband write what the Lord is saying, this was His:

July 14, 2010. You are sensing a rush in your spirit man. It is as if something very important, exciting and good is about to happen. I have sent to you ministering angels to prepare your heart for the outpouring of blessings I am bringing. I have noticed of late that you are down in your spirit a good bit. You should begin paying more attention to the angels. They minister under my authority and direction. You know there are myriads upon myriads of them everywhere. Welcome their ministry to you and those important to you. Learn to speak My word in faith and be prepared for the angels to carry out My word that you have spoken. Humble yourself and begin to work with them side by side.Psalms 103:20-21 (NLT) "Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!" Ras Robinson

God is sooooooo awesome. Not only does He give me direction but just to make sure I've understood He always gives me confirmation. I love Him so much, I hope and pray that You who are reading this do also and are walking in His blessings. My "joy" does not come from my circumstances, my "joy" comes from the Lord. Thank you Lord for saving me and adopting me.

The song playing right now is, "When I Can't See His Hand, I Can Trust His Heart". He will lift You up in ways the world just can't do if you commit ALL things to Him.

God bless,

His Servant

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

God said it, not me!

2010-07-11T09:06:00.006-05:00

God is so awesome. This is the way the Lord spoke to me and wanted this delivered. Help me Lord as I try to deliver this the way you gave it to me. In Jesus name.

Galations 6:4-6 But let every man prove his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

Galations 5:13-14 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty, only use NOT liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.

Galations 6:1 Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the Spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:4-6 But let every man prove his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:16 16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:22-25 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:10 10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

Galatians 6:4-6 But let every man prove his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

The word of God speaks for God. When I write what the Lord gives me, it is written out to help me and others understand. This may be an odd blog because it uses nothing but scripture but this is the way the Lord gave it to me and I've learned never to question Him. If only one person reads this and "gets" it, it will have served it's purpose.

To be morally right by living and following God's commandments will make us a better person but it won't save us. We are saved by grace and that by faith in Jesus Christ. He did not take away the law, He added to it. Love the Lord thy God and thy neighbor as thyself were His instructions to us. None of us can get to the Kingdom of God by hanging on to our pastor's coat tails or momma's or daddy's. At the same time we can't drag anyone into the Kingdom, as it says, every man (everyone) shall bear their own burden. Meaning we all have to stand before God for ourselves. We are to lift each other up, love our neighbors as Christ loves us. My my my, thank You Lord. I love you, thank you for Jesus.

Galatians 6:4-6 But let every man prove his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

Be sure and drop by my friend Joseph's page, Serious things for more on how God speaks to us.

God bless

His servant

Learn the truth, use the authority and break the bonds

2010-07-08T18:02:00.006-05:00

BONDAGE:
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Galations 2:4 (false teachers)
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 18:18 (think about that, if we are in bondage on earth, we are bound in Heaven also!!)
TRUTH:
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 (John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.)
AUTHORITY:
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19
When we know the truth, we can break free of our bonds (break out of bondage) using the truth and the authority that God gave us through Jesus Christ. Can I get a big amen :) That excites me. There is absolutely NOTHING that God did not make provision for us already!! Our God is truly morethan enough!!
Think of some of the synonyms for saved: rescued, delivered, liberated, set free. Can we add out of bondage after each word? Yes we can!
A true christian believes inwardly and outwardly that Jesus death has allowed God to offer them forgiveness and eternal life as a gift. They have "accepted" that gift through "faith" and are seeking (desiring - not forced) to live a life free of bondage and a life of obedient "gratitude" for what God has done for them.
Many are being led astray by every wind of doctrine and cunning craftiness of men.(Ephes. 4:14)
Mankind is in bondage. Some are in bondage to satan and thus to self and sin. Others are in bondage, held captive by the enemies lies because they don't know the truth. Still others are in bondage to the law or to a legalistic style of Christianity that snuffs the life and joy out of their walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.(excerpt, FREE FROM BONDAGE - GOD'S WAY by Kay Arthur)
Sin has everyone in it's grip. We are trapped (bondage) by sin, beaten down by past mistakes, and choked by desires we know are wrong. God knows we are sin's prisoners, and He has provided a way of escape - faith in Jesus Christ. All are caught in sin's grasp and only those who place their faith in Jesus Christ ever get out of it. Look to Him. He has already paid the price to set you free.
Don't be tossed around by "every wind of doctrine", don't be one of those who only wants to hear the good news of the gospel, don't be a man pleaser (another blog God is giving me). Pray, read, study to show thyself approved - to God, not man. Learn the truth, use the authority, break those bonds. Do not let satan dull your sword, it's your only weapon of defense, he would have you stay in bondage and the more you study and spend time with God, it's guaranteed the more satan will attack. He's had thousands upon thousands of years to plot and plan, compared to our 20, 30, 40, even 70 years some of us have lived. That's why we need Jesus, we need God as our refuge.
God gives us the authority through Jesus to fight the good fight, to overcome and to claim victory, over sin, over death, over bondage. All we have to do is learn it, use it, believe it. Have faith.
Learn the truth, use the authority, break the bonds. In Jesus name.
until next time
His servant
Lord give me an "attitude" of "gratitude" in Jesus name. Amen

And that's the Truth (Or is it?)

2010-07-06T11:35:00.005-05:00

A perversion or twisting of the truth is more difficult to spot than an outright lie. That's why satan when he sets out to deceive will even quote you scripture. Take it straight to the Word of God and as the Bible says, try the spirits. We live in a time when many who profess to know Jesus really don't hunger and thirst for sound doctrine. In 2 Corinthians, Paul warns that satan masquerades as an angel of light. He (Paul) invokes a curse on any angel who spreads false teaching, actually on anyone!

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

How can we tell when people are twisting the truth? Before accepting any teaching, find out what they teach about Jesus. If any teaching does not match up with the Word of God then it's false. InJohn 17:17, Jesus prayed , "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

When people think of satan, they see the character drawn in story books and depicted in pictures of an evil looking character with horns and a sharp arrow like tail carrying a pitchfork. Because satan is evil this might be a good example of his character but the Bible says he was one of God's most beautiful angels. Those who know God also know satan for what he truly is. However, if we don't put on the whole armor of God daily we are just as susceptible to satan's pillaging as anyone else, maybe more so because when he is trying to turn a child of God away from God, he is much more subtle. He is an eloquent speaker, pleasing to the eye and the senses. He is evil, but he doesn't appear evil, quite the contrary, he tries to make evil look good. The Bible says he can quote scripture. You know why? Because he was an angel, he knows God's plan and he knows he is going to lose, he doesn't care about winning the battle, he cares about taking as many of God's creation with him as he can. Using someone to twist scripture, bringing doubt in your mind about your faith, using your past against you are just some of the tools he will use to bring about his plan. Satan will use scripture to bring doubt into your mind, he will use scripture to destroy your faith, he will use scripture to justify a wrong, again he will use whatever he can to make evil appear good.

He knows our weaknesses. He will bring up the past, not to rebuke you but to cause the flesh to rise up and want to do things of the past that we've already been forgiven for. Remember if you are being tried, rejoice as Paul did. The bible says (paraphrasing) trials and tests of our faith produces patience. If satan isn't tempting you or attacking you, he isn't worried about you. You are no threat to him!!

If you are no threat to satan, you are no good to God! Don't misunderstand what I'm saying,God loves you-you are His most beloved child. However, satan should tremble when your feet hit the floor (not the other way around). Resist the devil and he will flee. If you aren't resisting him you aren't helping/serving God. Choose ye this day......

That's why it is so important to know the truth, to search out the truth on your own as well as being taught. Effective fervent prayer is communication with the Lord. He will show you the truth, all you have to do is ask.

Again, try the spirits, God will show you the truth in His word and the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you in your prayer life. I pray constantly for God to give me knowledge and understanding of His word for myself and to share with you. I know the seriousness of misleading or teaching someone wrong. As this battle rages my favorite verse always comes to mind. Phil. 4:13.

God provided for us in this war. He has given us the whole armor, all we have to do is put it on. What is the first piece of armor mentioned in Eph. 6:10-19? "Having your loins gird about withtruth."

Father, God, I love You and praise You. You are the most High God and the only God in my life. You are the great I Am and I'm so thankful You have made provision for me, for all of us. You are my comforter, my protector, my guide, my ever present strength in the face of danger and trials. Forgive me today for anything I have done or said that was not in line with Your word, or was/is displeasing to You. Help me likewise, to forgive those who have wronged me. Lord I pray today for myself and all those reading, that you help us put on Your whole armor. To choose today to serve You. Help us to be strong in the power of Your might. Help us to stand against the wiles of the devil, whatever he may bring against us. Help us to resist the devil so he will flee from us using the power You have given us through Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us Lord when all else seems to fail to remember Your armor. To stand with truth, righteousness and Your gospel. Above all, to hold up our shield of faith, wear our helmet of salvation and carry our sword of the Spirit so we are covered from the top of our head to the souls of our feet with Your power and might. Though satan rages against us, we are assured victory. Thank You Lord for Your armor, thank You for Your might, thank You for Your power and protection. Most of all thank you Lord for saving us, for adopting us in to Your family. Though the storm rages we are safe in Your care. Open our ears and our hearts to Your truths Father. Be with us and give us boldness in spreading Your gospel. Help us to realize the seriousness of the battle we are facing and give us a true heart for the lost. When Your Son, Jesus cast out demons He did not ask them quietly or timidly to leave the people alone, He used one word, "Go", using that same power and authority that You have given us as Your children. Help us to be able, knowledgeable, wise and available soldiers in this battle and we give You all honor and glory and praise, Heavenly Father, You are worthy. In Your Son Jesus, precious Heavenly name. Amen

God bless

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

His servant

Need Washing

2010-07-01T09:43:00.009-05:00

I don't know who wrote this but it has such a good message that I had to repost it. If you know the author, please feel free to give them credit in the comments. God bless
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout.. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.
'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated
'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'
'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.
'No, we won't, Mom.. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?
'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.
Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith..
'Honey, you are absolutely right.. Let's run through the rain. If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case.. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Feel free to send this to the people you'll never forget and remember to also send it to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.
If you don't send it to anyone, nothing bad is going to happen, it just means you're in a hurry.
Take the time to live!!!
Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!
author unknown

Father God, I do need washing. Forgive and wash away my sins. Help me to live not the way the flesh wants to live Father but the way You want me to live. Help me to be a light to a lost and dying world. Give us a fresh outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. I thank You for all those You have placed in my life, family and friends, and ask that today You touch them in a mighty way and answer each prayer request for their needs Lord. Give them integrity in their decisions and peace in their circumstances. Give us this day our daily bread. Help us to draw close to You so that You may draw close to us. Let us abide in You and Your word abide in us. Thank you for friends who will forward these messages to me to give me just a minute to reflect on You. To some it may be a simple little story but to me Father it was a reminder that I do need washing, I need daily cleansing to be forgiven of my sins and be acceptable to stand before You. I give You all praise, honor and glory. In Jesus mighty name. Amen
his servant, tawanab
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

God has a plan

2010-06-29T17:00:00.005-05:00

Luke 23:44-46 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45) And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple wast rent in the midst. 46) and when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this He gave up the ghost.

What love. What total selflessness. What a mighty God we serve. Each time I read about Jesus crucifixion, it breaks my heart. What He did is beyond words, beyond what my mortal mind can truly comprehend. When we think of Jesus and what He did for us, we need to remember that although He was God, He went through all of that as a man, just like one of us. He was born, lived and died as a man. However, at any given moment He could have said stop! He could have said, "I don't want to do this? They are not worth it, they don't care what I'm doing for them." And, beloved, He would have had every right to do that. Even then most didn't believe who He was. Even in those days they did not accept Him for who He truly was and is. You know why God sent His only Son? God has a plan.

It was never His intention for man to be lost. At the risk of repeating myself, God cannot lie. His word says He will always give us an escape from temptation, that began with His sending Jesus to die for our sins. He was/is our escape from sin and temptation. If we fix our eyes, heart, mind on god - He will deliver us from temptation. He says it in His word, He has to do it, He cannot lie!

I am not writing to those who read this, again, every word of this is for me. I am compelled by the Spirit to share this with whomsoever will read it. I need what the Lord is saying just as much IF NOT MORE than those of you reading right now. The devil tempts and attacks me continually and sometimes I stumble, sometimes I fall down and fail miserably. I am NOT giving up. That is the lesson I have learned. Don't give up. God has a plan.

I have been accused of thinking I'm perfect and that my life is perfect and everything goes my way. All I can say to that is far from it! Do I strive to be perfect? Most definitely. Do I succeed? Most definitely NOT.

Do I have trials? Yes! Right now I'm going through a painful divorce, I have severe financial difficulties, my car needs an oil change and freon, my kids have problems (and any parent knows your kids troubles ARE your troubles also lol). My life is far from perfect. I claim His promise, He will provide. If I didn't have God, I shudder to think where I would be or what I would be doing. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here to write this blog. I get angry, sometimes I allow myself to worry, I say things I shouldn't and then I have to repent. To be honest, sometimes that might take a day or two until the Holy Spirit shakes me up and reminds me where I came from and what can happen if I don't let things go and let God take care of them. I have to pray it through and like a rebellious child sometimes I don't want to! My life is a journey, not perfect but I've learned, most (if not all) of my problems are from trying to do things my own way my whole life, without waiting on God or asking His will. Now, in all truth and honesty, I'm reaping what "I" have sewn. But, God has a plan.

He could make my life perfect, He could clear up all my problems without blinking an eye but then what would that teach me. Just like a child, I must learn lessons from my mistakes. As I write this, I know He is working everything out. I know He is providing all my needs and even some of my wants, I have to wait on Him and I have to keep my faith in Him. How could I learn to depend on God for my every need if satan were not attacking me and I wasn't going through trials. God has a plan.

Now is the time -- for all of us. There may not be another day, or even another breath.

If you are facing trials and temptations, turn to Him. If you stumble or fail miserably, as I do daily, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, ask God for forgiveness and guidance and try again.

God has a plan.

Think about Jesus - what He did for all of us. Trying to live in God's will is not easy, no one said it would be, but the rewards are "out of this world". Don't expect to never see trials, troubles or temptations again, what would that teach us? We must keep our faith, stay in touch with God through prayer and His written word. Claim His promises, they were written just for YOU.

God has a plan, a perfect plan.

If you enjoy reading these blogs about what God is doing and has done, check out my friend Joseph's blog http://serious-things.com/

May God richly bless you,

his servant

pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps. if you are not willing to move your feet.

He Truly Knows

2010-06-25T12:09:00.007-05:00

I love the Lord God with all my heart. He is so faithful, the One true God, merciful, loving, just and faithful. No matter what I've done in my life, no matter where I've been. He has been there for me, even when I didn't serve Him. That is faithful. That is our God, He cannot lie, He says in His word He will never leave us or forsake us.
My heart was heavy this morning, my faith is strong but like a baby I was crying out to God to help me get my mind out of my situation and leave it with Him as it's supposed to be, to give me strength to overcome and remove my trials from my heart and mind, what I'm facing right now is not even one of the hardest things I have ever faced but it's consuming me and when I think I'm making progress satan is there to throw it right back in my face. I rebuked him in the name of Jesus to start with, then I asked God to give me a word for strength to meditate on today.
Being the mighty God He is and "knowing what I have need of even before I ask", this is the word God gave me today. Not what you might think or at least not what I thought it would be lol. I was sure He would lead me to one of His assurances, Lo, I am with you always, cast your cares on me, etc etc. Well, let me tell you, that isn't how God works. He does indeed know what we have need of before we ask!!!
This was my message (thump): Acts 6:4, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of His word.!!! Double thump!
What an awesome God! In that one sentence this is what He told me:
My beloved child I AM answering your prayers as we speak, not just one but all. I AM Your Father who loves you more than I love the sparrows which are also my creation. I AM preparing a place for you. I AM making all things work for good because you serve Me. I AM supplying your every need according to My riches in glory. I AM.
All I ask you to do is this one thing, be faithful to Me continually in your prayers and spread My word. Leave the rest up to Me.
How can you not love a God like that, He is the great I AM, our provider, our comforter, our leader, our guide. He is worthy to be praised.
I share this with you today because He isn't only speaking to me, His word, His truths are meant to be shared...(the ministry of His word).
Beloved, God is not respecter of persons, what He does for one, He will do for all. (Acts 10:34, Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
That is what He wants us to know today. He is the great I AM. At this very moment, if we just hang onto our faith in Him, no matter our circumstances or what the devil is trying to throw at us, He is working ALL things out for our good. He keeps all His promises. He is not a God of chance but of second chances. God cannot lie, every promise He has given us He must keep. If you don't know Him, I challenge you today to pick up His word, meet Him in prayer and get to know Him. He is there waiting for you, He has all the answers to your prayers just waiting for you to ask. He is our Father who loves us more than the birds in the air and the beasts of the field which He also created. He doesn't want to see us struggling today, as He says in His word, "28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light". Matthew 11:28-30"
He is the conqueror, the great I AM.
Father, God I praise You and I adore You. I thank You for Your word, for Your mercy and grace and for loving me even when I am unlovable. You are ALL things to me. I love you Lord. Forgive me today for the sins I have committed both known and unknown. Help me to forgive others so I might walk in Your full blessings. Today Father for those who are struggling with mountains, I ask You in the name of Jesus to move those mountains for them, so they can focus on You and not their problems. I ask You to heal their bodies, deliver them from those addictions, heal their minds and their spirits, lift those financial burdens, those marital struggles, whatever their mountain is God. Heal their broken hearts and broken spirits, take away their doubts and help them to have a more meaningful relationship with You Father. Show them today that You are working in their lives just the same as You are working in mine. And if there is someone right now reading this that doesn't know You, Father God, draw them to You, speak to them right now Lord, in the name of Jesus that they might come to You, ask forgiveness and accept Jesus Christ as Your Son and Lord and Master. Bring them into Your fold, make them a part of Your inheritance. Help all who read this today to turn their mountains, their cares over to You and show them in a mighty way that You are God. They no longer have to fight their battles alone for Your word says clearly "the battle is Yours". Your mercy and grace are free to all who ask. I ask for them and for myself, Father, in Jesus mighty and powerful name, giving You all praise, honor and glory. Amen

May God richly bless you all,
His servant - tawana b
Pray for peace in Jerusalem
"I am wonderfully made, beautifully designed, magnificently engineered, created by God, strong and powerful! I am built Lord tough!"

Praying the Lord's Prayer

2010-06-23T22:12:00.003-05:00

I have always been a prayer, one of my requests to God has always been "make me a prayer warrior". I love praying but don't always feel I "say" or "pray" with the best choice of words. Now having said that, I also know, God doesn't care the way you say things, He just wants you to come. This was just a desire I have. I picked up a book Lord Teach Me To Pray in 28 Days by Kay Arthur. Now when I got this book I kept telling myself, (and so did others), I was crazy that a book, (other than the Bible),can't teach you to pray and that is true, however, I will say it's a good study book and it did teach me some things I hadn't thought of. Did it teach me to pray? No, it did however help me to enhance my prayers, it broadened my horizons so to speak. Now having said all that, I would like to share my condensed version of some of what I learned while studying and I hope this helps you as much as it did me.
The main thing I learned is our prayers are more effective when we pray God's will. The only way to truly pray God's way is by studying His word. When you know God and know His word, you know what things you should pray for. Jesus says in John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
We know from studying God's word that sickness does not come from God, therefore, if we pray for healing, we are praying God's word.
Jesus gave us an outline for prayer in Matthew 6:6-13. We are not to pray this prayer repititously, it is an outline. He said, "pray in this manner". Now, let's break it down:
Our Father which art in Heaven - Acknowledge He is God, the Father, the One and Only true God.
Hallowed be Thy name - All praise, honor and glory go to God. Hallowing His name and giving Him reverence at the beginning of our prayer brings us immediately into His presence.
Thy Kingdom Come - this is not only His literal/physical kingdom, but we are also inviting Him to establish His Kingdom in our heart. This is where the very beginning of God's Kingdom is. We are also to pray that His literal Kingdom come.
Thy will be done - (this is sometimes the hard part). NOT our will but God's will. If we pray His will be done over our own, we can be assured that what He has for us is so much more and so much better than we could hope for-even if His will doesn't line up with something we are wanting. Remember He knows what you need even before you do. (Matthew 6:8)
in earth as it is in Heaven - whatever the Lord God establishes on earth is also established in Heaven with Him
give us this day our daily bread - many think this is asking for food and it is - spiritual food. John 6:33-34 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. Again God knows what we have need of, He has already promised us in His word that He would provide our needs, we need not worry about physical bread we do need spiritual feeding every day.
and forgive us our debts - Literally asking god to forgive our sins daily. We were born in sin, therefore, we must ask forgiveness daily for those things we know we did as well as anything we might have done that isn't known to us immediately.
as we forgive our debtors - It is every bit as important for us to forgive those who have wronged us as it is for God to forgive us. Holding back forgiveness puts us in a position of trying to play God! Holding back forgiveness allows bitterness to settle in our hearts. It hurts us. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 6:37-38 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: and Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. This must be very important for Jesus to mention it so often and what does He finally say about forgiving others, remember what He told Peter in Matthew 6:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Wow, I would say it is important.
Lead us not into temptation - This one is a bit tricky, God hates sin, He will NOT lead you into temptation but let's think of it this way: If the Lord abides in us, where we go, He goes. He goes before us in ALL things. He is not leading us there, and will not lead us there, but we may attempt to take Him with us! He gives us free will and God gives us clear instruction in His word. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
but deliver us from evil - God gives us a way out and protection before the problem ever arises. Praying in this manner helps us to make the right choice, God will deliver us, IF we ask. . God's word makes provision for this also. He gives us the whole armor listed in Ephesians 6:11-17 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Prayer my friends, that is our armor and faith in an unchanging God.
for thine art the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever - Ending our prayers the same way we began - praising and worshipping God. Acknowledging again that it is through His Kingdom, His power and His glory that we are His children. Through Him ALL things are possible.
Amen - true
Because Jesus said to pray in this manner, does that mean that is all we can pray? Of course not, the gospels, actually the entire Bible is full of prayers and Jesus words on what to pray for and how to pray.
Our prayers are our communication with God, they are a reflection of our personal relationship with Him, remember what He said in John 15:7 and again in 1 John 5:13-14 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
A word of caution - something my mom always taught me - be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. Pray for God's perfect will, not His permissible will. The difference is "God". In His perfect will, all the pieces fit together, in His permissible will it will be struggle, hardship, possibly heartbreak because He has lifted His hand and let you have what you want, even if it's not the best for you. Therefore you will suffer any consequences that occur. Ask Him His will on everything FIRST. Seek your answers in His word, ask Him to show you. Does it line up with His will? He will never let you down. His word says to cast ALL your cares upon Him. Nothing is to big or small for God, He wants you to come to Him.

To Sin or Not to Sin, Is that the question

2010-06-20T23:55:00.005-05:00

If God loves to forgive, why not give Him more to forgive? If forgiveness is guaranteed, do we have the freedom to sin as much as we want? Paul's answer in Romans is a very forceful NO!

Romans 6:1-2, What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.

Such an attitude, deciding ahead of time to take advantage of God shows that we do not truly understand the seriousness of sin. Jesus paid for our sins with His very life so we could be forgiven. The availability of God's mercy and forgiveness must not become an excuse for careless living and moral laxness. In other words, we cannot deliberately do something we know is wrong and justify our fleshly wants and desires by saying, "it will be all right, God will forgive us for doing this because we want it so badly"!! And woe be to us if we cause another to sin also!! This goes back to a previous blog about the choices we make. If we choose to sin, we may not even believe anyone else is going to get hurt, or worse yet, we think it is okay if only one or two people get hurt! The choices we make ultimately affect more than us whether we think they do or not. The devil would have us think we are not hurting anyone but ourselves but just by our very witness to others we could be causing hurt, confusion, anger, anxiety. What if someone turns completely away from God just because they observed our behavior. God forbid!

God is holy and He WILL NOT be associated with sin. If your desires are contrary to any of God's laws-He is not in it. Again, God will NOT arrange anything for us that is contrary to His word. Therefore, if it isn't God, we must conclude it is satan once again trying to make a wrong look right. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

We can try to rationalize sin any way we want to but sin is still sin. In these last days even many preachers and pastors will be led astray. Many of those will lead others astray. 1 John 2:3-4 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Romans 6:12-14 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

1 Peter 5:8-10 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

We have assurance in God's word that He will deliver us from temptation, He will always provide a way of escape, it is, however, up to us to take that way and follow Him instead of our own fleshly desires. Do we want the world? Do we want God's permissable will? Or, do we want to walk in God's perfect will? Are we truly seeking His will or only our own? Those are the questions.

We are ALL called of God, teachers, preachers, singers, visiting the orphans and widows, cleaning the church, sharing the gospel in the grocery store, etc. all is a calling. We all have a responsibility to make sure we do not use our calling nor our gifts for personal gain. 1 Peter 5:2 2Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Our calling and our gifts from God are to edify Him and for the betterment of others, not to tear anyone down or justify our own desires. Ephesians 4:1-6 1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ephesians 1:4 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Clearly to sin or not to sin is NOT the question.

Until next time,

His servant, tawanab

Pray for peace in Jerusalem

As Father's day draws to a close...

2010-06-20T23:09:00.001-05:00

I am reminded of Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

I am so thankful Lord for all You have done for me. Your mercy and grace abound in my life. You are truly worthy to be praised.

Your word says that before I was born You knew me. I thank you for the earthly "dad" you gave me. Without realizing why, (until I read the verse above), I was never taught to call him my Father and I'm so glad because that honor truly only goes to You. He was always my dad, - in my younger days he was daddy. Thank you for showing through him all my life, for instilling in me (he and my mom), a love for You. For raising me to walk in Your footsteps. I know I have been blessed because many did not have that. I know he wasn't perfect, but once upon a time there was a little blue-eyed blonde haired girl that thought he was. He did set a Godly example for me all of my life and I can never thank You or him enough for that. I pray that today there are many that can say that about their dad's but I know that those who can't do have the opportunity to call You Father the same as I do. Help them, take that step Father God, no matter what is going on in their lives right now, they can turn to you as Father, dad, comforter, You will never let them down. Help me to be the kind of example to my children and grandchildren and to the world, that my dad was for me. In Jesus precious and wonderful name. Amen

Choices - Which Way Do I Go

2010-06-17T14:43:00.004-05:00

We all make hundreds maybe thousands of choices everyday beginning from the time we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at night. Many are made without much conscious thought, like swinging our legs off the bed after we have decided to get up. The first choice we make in the morning: Do we get up or do we lay in bed and sleep a while longer?

Before we make that choice though, we should take a moment to thank God for (to quote my husband), "the precious breath of life", and we should choose WHOM we are going to serve that day. Before we get up every morning we should make a conscious choice- today I will serve God. Ask Him to help You serve Him this day and deliver you from temptation and the snares of the devil. You will be pleasantly surprised at how it will change your whole perspective for the day. (I didn't say it would change circumstances, I said it would change your perspective).

Let's discuss some other choices. We don't want to do wrong and we don't want to cause others to do wrong, so how can we make these choices?

If we choose one course of action:

1) Does it help our witness for Christ? (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

2) Are we motivated by a desire to help others know Christ? (1 Corinthians 9:23, 10:33)

3) Does it help us do our best? (1 Corinthians 9:25)

4) Does the choice go against a specific command in scripture and result in causing us to sin?

(1 Corinthians 10:12)

5) Is it the best, most beneficial choice? (1 Corinthians 10:23, 33)

6) Are we thinking only of ourselves or do we truly care about other people? (1 Corinthians 10:24)

7) Are we acting lovingly or selfishly? (1 Corinthians 28:31)

8) Does it glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

9) Will it cause someone else to sin? (1 Corinthians 10:32)

10) Have we truly prayed - "Lord lead us not into temptation but deliver us from (all) evil (and all appearance of evil)? (parenthesis and italics mine)

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

God gives us all free will, however, he also gave us an instruction manual to live righteously and gloriously through Him. The first choice is to accept it, to read it, to follow it, to live it. It is just as relavent today as it was when it was being written. I hear a lot of people say, "this is 2010, it doesn't apply now". That's so far from the truth, every precept in the Bible can be applied to our lives today. As Jesus said on the mount, "nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou will".

I leave you with these scriptures and pray God blesses you and and gives you integrity and wisdom in your choices today.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I'm far from perfect and I make bad choices everyday, sometimes I have to ask God to forgive me but the one choice I have made is to follow Him.

His servant-tawanab

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Look What the Lord Has Done

2010-05-23T09:20:00.004-05:00

Look what the Lord has done.

He healed my body, He touched my mind,

He saved me just in time.

I'm gonna praise His name,

His name is just the same.

I'm gonna praise Him,

look what the Lord has done.

That is one of my favorite praise and worship songs, of course just like Bible verses, I have many favorites.

What has the Lord done for you today? If you are reading this, you can say He has given you the precious breath of life another day! Praise God.

He gave you today but what you do with today is up to you. God gave you freewill and a choice. He gave you breath, He gave you life. The rest of the day's choices are up to you, beginning with choosing to get out of bed or just lay there. The Bible says to choose "this day" whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord.

Look what the Lord has done. Have you asked God for healing, finances, maybe just some peace in your day? Did you pray believing? Did you praise Him immediately after for answering your prayers? Or, did you first check the symptoms to see if He had?

Let me stray a bit to say (again) as I've said before in my blogs. God is speaking to me and I've asked myself all the same questions that I write in my blogs. I am never attacking anyone with what I write.

Unfortunately, not to long ago my answer to those questions were yes, no and yes.

I prayed (yes), I did not praise God immediately after (no), and I immediately checked to "see" if God had answered my prayers (no).

But... I'm learning!!! I'm learning to put ALL my faith in God. That means that now I go to Him in prayer (yes), I praise Him for His grace and Mercy first, (which by the way are free), (yes), and His answer to my prayers, and I no longer look immediately at the circumstances to see if He has answered me, because I know He will, (yes). I know that God in His infinite wisdom is going to answer my prayers, not in my time but in His time. He tells me in His word "anything" I ask, 1 John 5:14-15, 14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

If I pray for healing, I believe He has healed me. If I don't see the results immediately I don't look to see, I continue to praise Him for what He is going to do.

We can choose to hang on to our sickness and problems and NOT claim healing or we can "pick up our bed and walk". Look what the Lord has done!

I recently read a wonderful book with all you need to know about healing and praying God's will. It's called the Bible. I have never enjoyed reading any other book as much as that one since I prayed for God to reveal His word to me! God gives us so much and every promise He has made He has to keep because He cannot lie.

I read another book on healing and something the author said in the book caught my attention. She said, "When god heals you, you can't keep your handicap sign". I love that. Who would want to??? So many times we pray for healing or ask others to pray for healing for us and then we don't accept it. We just go on complaining and showing our lack of faith. We choose to lay in bed instead of picking it up.

I was reading in Acts 3:19, about the lame man that laid outside the temple gates asking for alms.

Peter and John commanded him "in the name of Jesus", "to get up and walk and he did, praising God for his healing! Not only that, the Bible says he leaped up. He had a choice. Beggars can't be choosers but God gives us the right to choose. Laying outside the temple begging for alms, its an uncommon word to us. He didn't worry about what he would do next or how he would live. He just KNEW he was healed. He leaped up and praised God. Look what the Lord has done.

Father, God help me to walk in Your perfect will. Help me always when I pray to leap up accepting Your blessings and my healing from You. I give you praise, honor and glory right now Father for what You have done. Touch my life today, heal me from the inside out Lord. I have a special hurt in my life that only You can heal right now Lord God, You know what it is. Heal and cleanse my heart first, help me to live and love as You do. Keep me in Your perfect will and sustain me, lead and guide me today.

Father, I ask for those reading this today that You would heal them, whatever the problem God, You know what it is. Help them to see You instead of the mountain they are facing. You are bigger than any mountain. Heal them and help them to see that You are the Great Physician, nothing is to big or too small for You. Help them Lord to grow in faith so they can learn to depend on You. Touch them in a mighty way Father so they have no doubt their healing and answered prayers come from You. In Jesus name I ask and pray. Lord again I give You all the praise, honor and glory knowing that whatever we ask in Jesus name, believing and having faith in You, You are faithful and just to answer our prayers. I love you Lord and I praise You. In the name of Jesus. Amen

Now, "Look what the Lord has done." Take up your bed in the name of Jesus, you are healed!!

God bless

tawanab

Closer than a brother

2010-05-16T13:18:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
The Lord spoke to me strongly about this today and I know I needed to hear it, however, He said there is someone else that needs to know it too. Maybe someone that knew it and has forgotten, I don't know, it is only up to me to obey the Lord. I pray this speaks to you as it did to me.
This is what the Lord said:
I know you are lonely, I know you are searching for something - someone. I am here. Seek me.
I AM the friend that sticks closer than a brother. I have given you those I wish you to have in your life for now, but you need to seek Me. It's really just you and I. Put your trust in Me, and see if I am not all you need. Lean on Me. I will fill every empty space in your heart and in your life. You will not find what you seek until our relationship is set in stone. Others have hurt you, you have hurt others. This cycle needs to stop, it cannot continue, I will not allow it. Come to Me now, open your heart to Me. Let Me work through you - get out of yourself and out of My way. Make My will your will in every aspect of your life, not just some. I see you still hanging on to some of your own old ways with one hand while trying to grasp Me with the other. I tell you again you cannot serve two masters, you are seeking things that are outside My will and not of Me, but you already know this. Let go - let Me have your whole heart, commit everything to Me and see if I will not fill every empty void in your life. You cannot love because you are trying to love in the physical. Give Me your heart so you can love in the spiritual. I did not put you here to judge and walk away because you are disillusioned with people. They are My responsibility, do what I tell you, pray and love. I say to you, pray for My will in ALL areas. Pray for the mind of Christ, pray for the heart of Christ, pray for the Holy Spirit. Then and only then can you love like I do, then and only then will your heart be repaired. Then and only then can you truly appreciate every single person I put in your path. Nothing happens by chance. I am NOT a God of chance but I am THE God of second chances and third chances and more. Cleanse your heart, give it to Me totally so I may fill it. Get rid of all those things whether spiritual or physical that come between you and I so that I can show you ALL I have in store for you.
Know My ways and walk in them. Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people: and walk you in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well to you.
I have given you Godly people in your life, cling to me, cling to them until you are truly prepared to go out again and share the annointing I have placed on you. You have much still to learn, learn from me. I love you my child, my heart is crying out to you, accept what I have to offer.

Get a Grip!

2010-05-13T10:20:00.003-05:00

That was my lesson from God this morning. As I told my daughter, every blog I write is a lesson God has given me that day. It's personal for me but I enjoy sharing it.

This is what He told me this morning:

You can't hold on to God with one hand and the world with the other - you will lose your grip on one of them! Matthew 6:24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

God intends for us to live this life, that is why He gave it to us, however, nothing in it should be more important to us than the One who gave us life. He wants more than anything to give us everything we desire, but our desires should match His. He wants the very best for us, we should want the very best for ourselves. That doesn't mean new cars, new homes, fancy clothes or jewelry, although He can and does give us those things.

I often compare God and myself to me and my own children and grandchildren. I want to see them happy and give them everything they desire to make them happy but as a parent I know that not everything they desire is what's best for them and I know what they need. They need love, nurturing, food for their tummies, warmth, education, etc. I know "things" make them happy and want to give them everything. However, I also know "things" only give them momentary satisfaction, then generally they want newer, shinier (more expensive) things. Momentary satisfaction doesn't last while meeting their deepest needs does.

That is what God does for us, He provides our every need for growth and will give us those little "things" we want along the way. He loves us so much more even than we love our own children. In His wisdom, He knows the things that will truly make a lasting impression on us. He knows what is best for us.

Just like our own children, we may forget that new "toy" in a month or so but we will never forget how God provided for us in our time of need.

At the moment, we truly want that new car, new house, new shoes etc., but a few months down the road it's not good enough and we want something else to play with-something newer, shinier, (more expensive). You get my drift, right? Just like our own children! Now think about it --(here comes a God thump), where do they learn it??? Ouch.. pointing fingers back at self, :(

God wants the very thing from us that we want from our own children, love, respect and to see us happy and healthy.

He wants us to turn to Him for our every care because He truly cares for us.

Matthew 6:25-34 25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

He wants to see us happy. He loves to see our smiles and our joy even more than we enjoy seeing the faces of our own children. Just like our own children, their new toys take time away from us unless we teach them to put them in the proper perspective. Our new toys can take our time away from our precious Heavenly Father if we don't put our priorities in perspective.

Enjoy this life God has given you, enjoy the toys He gives you but remember those aren't what's important in life, it's the One who gave you life, the One who sustains it that is most important. Be in this world, not of this world: 1 John 2:15, 15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Don't try to hold on to God with one hand and the world with the other, GET A GRIP on God with both hands. Let go of the things of this world, whether it be possessions, music, people, addictions or just day to day busyness, let it go. God will provide the needs and the desires of your heart if you seek each day to be in the center of His will. 1 John 5:14, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

What a promise! Just let go and let God. Are you having problems today? (who isn't). It might be in a relationship, at work, with your finances, whatever it is, those are wordly things, God wants you to turn lose with that hand and get a grip on Him with both hands. He will take care of you, He will take care of any situation. He can do so much more than we ever can. Don't let your worries cause you to lose your grip on God, allow God to loosen your grip on your worries (this world). Give God your other hand.

God bless

Runaway Bride

2010-04-28T10:38:00.006-05:00

Running, (escape of some kind), is usually the most tempting solution to our problems: In fact, it can become a habit!!

The Bible has many illustrations of people that ran from God, the first one I think of is Jonah. However, the New Testament used Hagar (Sarah's handmaiden - Gen. 16:1), as an example of one who always tried to run away or escape her problems. When she was punished by Sarah, her master, she ran away, when she ran out of water in the dessert, she put her son down and left him rather than see him die (which she felt was going to happen). (Gen. 21:15-16).

The Bible says God heard the voice of Ishmael and sent an angel of the Lord to Hagar, (Gen. 21:17). The Lord sent help to her!!

How many times do we try to run from our problems instead of going to God with them? How many times must He come to us first?

The Bible refers to us as the "bride of Christ". As such, we should run to Him with arms wide open, filled with praise and glory, smiling with joy because we know He hears us and wants to take care of us.

How many times to do we run "from" Him instead of "to" Him? When will we learn running only provides temporary relief and most of the time it's an illusion of relief). Whatever problems we have, whatever trials we are facing are still right there where we left them, awaiting solutions. God wants us to face our problems with His help. Deuteronomy 4:29-31,29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

God has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us and God CANNOT lie. God is faithful to His plan and promises, EVEN when WE complicate the process.

We should draw close to Him. When we feel separation from God, "He" is not the one who has moved. Have you noticed how patiently God works to make our escape attempts fail? Ever heard the old expression, "you can run but you can't hide"? Do you sometimes feel like you are running in a circle? We are and each time we make that circle we pass by God who sits there patiently waiting for us to grow tired, stop running and come to Him. Matthew 11:28-30, 28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. The time to stop and rest is today!! He is waiting patiently, but He can't wait on us forever! The time is drawing near when He will come to collect His bride. Matthew 25: 6-13, 6And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Are there problems in your life where you are choosing the "Hagar solution"? Choose one of those problems and ask God for help with it today. If you are running from God and the annointing He has placed on you or simply running from the quickening of the Holy Spirit and God trying to draw you close, STOP, turn around and run don't walk back to God. He is waiting, He is ready - lay all your cares on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7-11, 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Don't be a runaway bride!

Hebrews 13:6, 8, 6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

John 16:23-24, 23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give ityou. 24Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

Is your joy full? Are you running to God or away?

Father, I come to you today, in the name of Jesus and ask that you give all who read this rest Father, rest from their troubles, and help for healing, finances, spiritual lagging, mental illnesses, marital troubles, parent troubles, children troubles, whatever their need is today that you will reach out to them in their time of need Lord and touch them. That you will establish Your word in their hearts and you will re-establish their annointing Father, that You will give them the desire to run to you, to seek you instead of running from You and their problems. Give them peace Lord, help them see that you are there, you are taking care of them in those moments. I just thank You Lord for what You are doing in all our lives. I pray for knowledge, wisdom and understanding, help us to walk in the center of Your will and when the day comes that You return for Your bride we all be waiting with our lamps trimmed in excitement and expectation for Your arrival. I love you Lord, thank you Jesus. Amen

Facing the storms and finishing the book.

2010-04-21T11:22:00.003-05:00

Mark 4:37-40 37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Jesus has been with His people for 20 centuries and yet, we, like the disciples, underestimate His power to handle our storms. The disciples did not yet know Jesus but we do NOT have that excuse. We need to be prepared for the storms, prayed up and ready. God did not promise us no storms, only that He would keep us through the storms. When a storm rages around us we can pray, trust and move ahead. Lean into the wind and trust God, not running from the storms.

With faith, nothing is impossible. Our own outlook to everyday problems is a testimony of our faith. How do we react when the car won't start or things don't go as we have planned? Do we praise God through the storms or curse the storms? As children of God, we need to realize that the enemy is constantly seeking ways to destroy our faith. He does just what is necessary to compromise our walk with God. Does it take a little or does it take a lot? A small rain shower or a full blown thunderstorm? You know the closer you are walking with God, the bigger and stronger the storms will be, that is just the enemies way. The harder he fights you, the bigger the storm, rejoice in the knowledge that you are doing something right in the Lord or satan would not have a reason to fight you. Let me turn that around and repeat that, if he's NOT fighting you, something is wrong in your walk! Sound harsh? If you think about it, it's true. When you look around and see unbelievers enjoying wealth and happiness, what will they have when the storms hit? They can turn to the same God we do, but many won't. When it seems nothing is going your way, that the enemy is attacking from every side, health, happiness, finances, work, any area, rejoice because you are a thorn in satan's side. He knows he is defeated and you are living, breathing proof thrown in his face by your very faith. Remember that God has our lives all planned out.

I think of my life as a book, every chapter carefully illustrated by God. I picture sometimes that He has a big eraser that He uses when I've scribbled in new lines and changed what He has written for me. He, (God), has to erase what I've done (forgive me my sins, transgressions) and rewrite the story encompassing what I've done of my own free will. I'm here only by the Grace of God. He has sustained me and even at my age I know God can still use me and He does. My storms can and have been turned into testimonies for Him. At my lowest points, when I thought I was down to nothing, God was up to something. He teaches me daily how to lean on Him, pray and have faith. I seek Him out in the mornings, I'm excited for what the next pages and chapters hold that God has in store for me in my book of life. I've read the end of the book and it goes like this -- ...and she lived happily ever after with her King in the Kingdom He prepared for her, where there is no sorrow, no death, no tears and no more storms. (Thank you Jesus)

Heavenly Father, I pray the peace of God for all who are reading this blog. I ask that you bless them in whatever way they most need You today and that You work in and through them, Lord Jesus. I pray for their health, their spiritual well-being, their mental health, their finances, that You will bless them in ALL things. Most of all, I pray they put on Your full armor and stand strong against the storms the enemy brings against them, having faith in You that You will sustain them and keep them safe. For those who might not know You or may be struggling with their faith Father, I ask that You bless them in a special way, that You touch them in a way that they will have no doubt they have been in the presence of the Lord. Father I ask You in Jesus name to heal those who are sick today in a way that leaves no doubt it was a touch of Your hand. Those that have special prayers, special needs, storms they can't face, that You would especially answer their prayers and give them the help, the answers, the word, the shelter that they seek today. All these things I ask in Jesus name and believing Your word that anything we ask in Your son's name, you will do. I thank you and praise you and give you all the glory. I love you Lord. Amen

In His will,

God bless you

tawanab

Train Up A Child...

2010-04-20T20:55:00.006-05:00

In the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Because I am a mother and a grandmother, God has impressed upon me to write about "raising up a child of God". God gave me instructions and a promise in Proverbs 22:6.

God brings things to our remembrance in odd ways some times: For me this message came from making banana bread! I had some over-ripe bananas so I decided to bake bread out of them instead of throwing them away because I knew though the outside appeared no good, there was still good on the inside. I really wasn't thinking about children at the time, in fact, it was the next day before the Lord actually spoke to me, as I was tasting the bread to see how it turned out. The thought came to me it turned out right! I admit I was surprised, then God asked me why I was surprised, I had all the right ingredients, I had the instructions and I had the knowledge, all I had to do was DO IT. You might wonder what this has to do with raising a "child of God". Everything! We have the right ingredients (the child), we have the instructions, (the Bible), and we have the knowledge (the Bible and our life experiences). All we have to do is DO IT! Just as bread has to be mixed together and then baked, raising a child of God doesn't happen in an instant or even overnight.

God promised us in His word that if we train them up in His ways, when they get old they will NOT depart from it. As a parent, I remind God of His promise to "me" when I pray for my children, even though they are grown.

The child in me thinks of my own mom, who never got to see that promise fulfilled before going home to be with the Lord, however, she went home at peace because she clung to His promises. She believed God and where I am with God is a result of His promise and her faith.

If you are having trouble with your children, first-seek God, search the scriptures because He gives clear instructions. The words "spare the rod, spoil the child" are paraphrasing but they are biblical. Proverbs 23:13-14, Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Now, does God intend for you to beat them within an inch of their life, NO! God does intend for you to discipline them though. The Bible tells us in Exodus 10:2 to tell our children and our children's children the things the Lord has done so they will know that He is the Lord. In Deuteronomy 6:7 and 31:13 He tells us again the importance of parents teaching their children the Bible. How can we teach them what we don't know if we haven't already studied and learned these truths for ourselves. In like manner we are also told in Ephesians 6:4, And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Needless to say, anytime you discipline your child, they are not going to be happy. Parenting is a tough job but God trusted you enough to give it to you. We must show the same love that God shows us to our children and admonish with love, seeking what is pleasing to God and teaching our children that way.

Proverbs 13:24, He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Our Heavenly Father loves us more than anything on this earth yet at times He has to chastise us.

It is not easy for a loving parent to discipline their child, what hurts our children hurts us. When they cry, we cry. However, the greatest responsibility God gives us as parents (and grandparents) is the nurture and guidance of our children (and grandchildren). Lack of discipline puts parents love in question because it shows a lack of concern for the character development of their children. Disciplining children averts long-range disaster. Without correction, children grow up with no clear understanding of right and wrong and little direction to their lives. Don't be afraid to discipline your children, it is an act of love. Remember, however, that your efforts cannot make your children wise, they can only encourage your children to seek God's wisdom above all else!

What better way to teach our children than by example, living as close to Jesus as we possibly can.

Ephesians 5:1, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us and hath given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.

Our children imitate us, therefore we can teach no better lesson nor give no better example than to imitate Christ in our lives. Their salvation, possibly their life is at stake.

Remember the bananas, though it may seem there is nothing good on the outside, there is still something worth saving on the inside, meaning it is never to late to begin teaching your children about the Lord and turning their life around.

Thank you and God bless

Pray for the peace of Israel

tawanab